The political rift within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified on Tuesday after Sudhakar Badgujar, the deputy leader of the party’s Nashik district unit, was expelled for anti-party activities. The move came swiftly after Badgujar met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, further fueling speculation of unrest within the UBT camp in Nashik.
The dramatic expulsion was announced during a press conference addressed by Nashik district UBT chief D.G. Suryavanshi, senior leader Dutta Gaikwad, and former MLA Vasant Geete. In a startling revelation, Gaikwad stated: "Just now, I received a phone call from Uddhavji and Sanjay Raut saheb. They said that Sudhakar Badgujar has been expelled from the party for anti-party activities."
Badgujar, once considered a close aide of UBT MP Sanjay Raut, not only met Fadnavis but also publicly criticized the party for sidelining local leaders during internal organizational changes in the Nashik district. In a media statement, he claimed that he, Nashik city UBT chief Vilas Shinde, and 10–12 other local leaders were dissatisfied with the way party decisions were being made.
The situation escalated further when DCM Eknath Shinde was invited by Vilas Shinde to attend the reception ceremony of his daughter’s marriage—an invitation that reportedly angered the UBT leadership. Sources say Uddhav Thackeray took strong exception to Badgujar’s actions, prompting the party to hold the press conference to dispel reports of internal discord.
However, Badgujar defended his stance, stating:
"It is not a crime to express discontent about the party’s internal functioning. The party never discusses anything with me. I had informed the Nashik district president about my meeting with Fadnavis. Sacking me just for that is unfair."
Despite the party’s efforts to downplay the unrest, political observers believe the developments signal deeper troubles for the UBT in Nashik. Speculation is growing that the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP-Shiv Sena-Eknath Shinde faction) is planning a major political maneuver to weaken the UBT in the upcoming local body elections in the region.
Potential Blow in Western Maharashtra: Chandrahar Patil Likely to Exit UBT
Meanwhile, the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena appears to be heading for another jolt—this time in Western Maharashtra. Former Sangli Lok Sabha candidate Chandrahar Patil, who contested on a UBT ticket in the recent general elections, is reportedly on the verge of joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
On Monday, Maharashtra’s Minister of Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat confirmed that Patil will formally enter the Shinde camp on June 9 and challenged UBT leaders to stop him if they could.
"Try to stop his entry if you have the courage," Shirsat said provocatively.
Interestingly, Patil himself posted on social media platform X, stating that while he hasn’t made a final decision, he has indeed received an offer from the Shinde faction and will discuss it with his supporters before taking a stand.
This potential defection is significant as it follows a bitter controversy during the Lok Sabha ticket distribution. The UBT’s decision to field Chandrahar Patil from Sangli created friction with Congress leaders, particularly Vishal Patil and Vishwajit Kadam. Congress requested Uddhav Thackeray to withdraw Patil’s candidature, but UBT leaders, especially Sanjay Raut, stood firm.
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The result? A three-cornered fight ensued between Chandrahar Patil, BJP’s Sanjay Patil, and Congress rebel Vishal Patil—who ultimately emerged victorious. In a major embarrassment for UBT, Chandrahar Patil even lost his deposit.
Now, the very leader for whom Uddhav Thackeray risked a fallout with Congress appears to be deserting the party. His exit could trigger further instability for the UBT in Western Maharashtra, especially as the Eknath Shinde faction continues to consolidate support across the state.
