Shiv Sena (UBT) faces setback in Sangli as key leaders join Shinde camp

PUNE: In a blow to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Sangli district chief Sanjay Vibhute, Yuva Sena district head Rushikesh Patil, and Miraj leader Siddharth Jadhav will join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Vibhute, who joined Shiv Sena in 2002, inspired by Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision, claimed he had dedicated himself to the philosophy of “80% social work, 20% politics.”

He played a key role in strengthening the party’s network in the Khanapur Assembly constituency. His defection is seen as a major political shift that could weaken the Thackeray faction’s influence in the Sangli district.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife about Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader Sanjay Kokate from Madha Lok Sabha constituency also joining the Shinde camp. Kokate, a loyalist of Sharad Pawar, has reportedly resigned from the NCP (SP).

During the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, Kokate was keen to contest from the Madha Assembly seat but was overlooked in favor of Abhijit Patil, who eventually won. Sources suggest Kokate has been disgruntled since then and is likely to switch parties soon.