Rajan Salvi, the former MLA from Ratnagiri and deputy leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has made headlines with his recent defection to the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena, marking what many view as a significant setback for party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
On February 13, 2025, Salvi publicly announced his departure from Shiv Sena (UBT) during an event held in Thane, where he expressed his commitment to supporting the party led by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This move has stirred significant discussion within Maharashtra's political circles, as Salvi has been perceived as a longtime loyalist to Thackeray.
Salvi's political career has been closely tied to the coastal Konkan region, where he represented the Rajapur constituency from 2009 to 2024. His tenure saw him grappling with the mounting challenges posed by party politics and electoral losses. Notably, he lost the November 2024 assembly elections to Kiran Samant, candidate from the rival Shiv Sena faction, which has caused Salvi to openly blame senior party leaders for his defeat.
Chuckling at the loss, Salvi stated, "I am Balasaheb Thackeray's beloved Shiv Sainik. I have done the work as he had intended to date and will carry forward his ideology." His words reflect the deep-rooted affinity he has claimed to feel toward the party's founding principles, even as he steps away from the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray.
Prior to his resignation, Salvi had voiced his concerns during meetings with Thackeray, highlighting issues he felt were detrimental to his support within the party. These conversations culminated with his announcement, where he acknowledged, "I informed Uddhav Thackeray about the people who are responsible for the defeat in the 2024 elections... I have taken this decision." This sentiment parallels the growing dissatisfaction many feel toward the Shiv Sena (UBT) following its poor representation of only 20 out of 288 seats during the last assembly elections.
Reacting to Salvi's departure, Aaditya Thackeray expressed, "Take whoever you want to but the work should not be stalled." This comment encapsulates the urgency among party leaders to maintain stability amid increasing tensions within the ranks of the Shiv Sena (UBT), as reports circulate of other potential defection among their members.
Uday Samant, Shiv Sena minister, mentioned the prospect of numerous party members following Salvi, including several ML legislators and former corporators, which may indicate the start of what insiders are referring to as 'Operation Tiger'—a strategy aimed at bolstering Shinde's faction at the expense of Thackeray's.
During his announcement, Salvi was attended by Shinde and other key local leaders, including Uday Samant and Kiran Samant. Many expect Salvi to be considered for nomination to the state Legislative Council under the Governor's quota, showcasing the power dynamics shifting within Maharashtrian politics.
Echoing his commitment to his constituency, Salvi mentioned how persistent requests from his supporters played a decisive role: “The people of the constituency urged me to stand up once again for the all-round development of the constituency and the district.” This expresses his dedication to addressing local issues, even if it means aligning himself with those from the opposing faction.
The news of Salvi's switch has not only sparked buzz surrounding internal party tensions but also poses questions about the future of the Shiv Sena (UBT). The party's struggle since the split with Eknath Shinde and alignments with the BJP has left it grappling for relevance and unity.
This defection adds yet another layer to the fraught political climate as the current dynamics see many legislators opting out of Thackeray's faction fearing political obscurity. Former UBT leader Bhaskar Jadhav has voiced concerns over such exits, emphasizing the need for party leadership to keep members engaged and loyal.
With the political dialogue constantly shifting, Salvi's shift to Shinde's camp signifies not just personal ambition, but also the crumbling foundations of what was once considered Thackeray's stronghold—particularly within the Konkan region, where Salvi's loyalty was unquestioned until now. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is faced with urgent questions about its viability and future direction, as speculation about Salvi and potentially others bolstering Shinde's faction grows.
Salvi's decision and its consequences will be watched closely, as it may shape not only his political future but the broader spectrum of Indian regional politics, especially within the Shiv Sena’s historical power structures.