Maharashtra Politics: Key Shinde Camp Leaders Join Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena in Navi Mumbai

Undercover Editor News Agency | Editor – Mahesh Rathod

In a major political shift ahead of crucial electoral developments in Maharashtra, several leaders from the Eknath Shinde–led Shiv Sena have crossed over to the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. The move is being seen as a significant boost for Uddhav Thackeray as the party works to rebuild its grassroots network after the 2022 split.

Leaders From Shinde Camp Switch Sides

Among those who joined the UBT camp are:

• Shirish Kashinath Patil
• Mayur Thakur (Deputy Division Chief)
• Sandeep Salve

They were accompanied by a sizeable group of supporters, signalling dissatisfaction within sections of the Shinde-led faction.

The joining event took place in Navi Mumbai in the presence of:

• Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) President
• Subhash Desai
• Rajan Vichare
• Vitthal More
• District Chief Prakash Patil
• Several other senior office-bearers

Party leaders described the development as a “strong message” that grassroot-level workers continue to identify with the original Shiv Sena legacy led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Uddhav Thackeray Hits Out at Centre Over Sanchar Saathi App

Meanwhile, speaking at his residence Matoshree in Bandra, Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the Centre over mandatory installation of the Sanchar Saathi mobile application.

He alleged that the app is a “rebranded Pegasus-like spyware”, accusing the BJP-led government of attempting to monitor citizens under the guise of digital safety.

“They have renamed Pegasus as Sanchar Saathi. They want to spy on the people who trusted them with their vote,”

— Uddhav Thackeray

Thackeray questioned why the government was prioritising digital surveillance when it had failed to explain security lapses like the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

Centre Rejects Allegations

Responding to nationwide concerns, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified in the Lok Sabha that:

• The Sanchar Saathi app cannot be used for snooping
• Users have full choice to delete the app
• If a user does not register, the app remains inactive
• Government is ready to amend the installation order based on public feedback

He emphasised that the app’s purpose is to protect users from fraud, not to access their private messages or data.

Political Temperature Rises in Maharashtra

With high-stakes local body elections approaching and alliances shifting rapidly, defections such as these point toward growing tensions within the Shinde-led faction. The UBT camp sees this as validation of its narrative that the “real Shiv Sena” remains rooted in the Thackeray leadership.

Political observers believe more crossovers may occur as the state heads into an intense political season.