Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 30: A fresh political row broke out in Maharashtra on Tuesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sachin Ahir joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, prompting sharp criticism from leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray faction and a strong rebuttal from the former minister.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut took to social media to express his disappointment, suggesting that leaders driven by personal interests were not a loss to the party.

In a post on X, Raut shared a poetic message that read, "Why should we even hope for four rays of light? Why should we wait for those who were never truly ours?" He later added that there was no reason to mourn the departure of those who joined the party with "selfishness and dishonesty" in mind.

Raut's remarks intensified the political confrontation, with leaders from both factions exchanging barbs over Ahir's decision to switch sides.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised Ahir, saying it was disappointing that leaders who had been given important responsibilities were leaving the party for personal reasons.

He said the party had witnessed similar defections over the past four years but insisted that Shiv Sena's traditional strongholds, including Worli and Sewri, remained firmly with the party.

Aaditya questioned what more the leadership could have done for Ahir, pointing out that he had been entrusted with several key positions, including responsibilities in the ward committee, BEST, the post of deputy leader in the party and leadership of labour unions.

"We were always in regular contact. He had every opportunity to communicate with us. What more could we have offered?" Aaditya asked, adding that the party leadership had consistently supported him.

Responding to the criticism, Sachin Ahir rejected the allegations and said it was unfortunate that leaders were praised while they remained in the party but were branded negatively after leaving.

"It is unfortunate that as long as we were together, I was considered good, but the moment I decided to part ways, I became unworthy," Ahir said while addressing a press conference alongside Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.

Replying to Sanjay Raut's allegation that he had acted out of self-interest, Ahir questioned why the same accusation had not been made when he had joined the Uddhav Thackeray camp earlier.

"Was I not selfish when I joined them? If I wasn't then, why am I selfish now?" he asked.

Ahir said he had carried out every responsibility assigned to him by Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray with complete dedication, including organisational work in Pune district.

He also highlighted his contributions during his tenure as a corporator, legislator and minister, asserting that he had always worked sincerely to strengthen the party and serve the people.

Ahir added that he would respond to the political criticism at an appropriate forum, maintaining that his work and commitment should speak for themselves.