Major Blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) as Former MLA Rajan Salvi Likely to Exit Party

In a significant political development, the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) is poised to suffer a major setback as Rajapur's former MLA and senior party leader, Rajan Salvi, is reportedly preparing to leave the party. Sources close to Salvi indicate he has been unhappy for some time and is contemplating severing ties with the Thackeray-led faction.

Salvi, a prominent figure in the party, is said to be disheartened by a lack of acknowledgment from senior leaders during and after recent elections. Compounding the issue, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has reportedly initiated an inquiry involving Salvi’s family, further prompting speculation that a significant political decision could be announced within the next month.

Discussions are rife about whether Salvi will align himself with the BJP or the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Party insiders reveal that Salvi has been consulting with his supporters and constituency officials to gauge their opinions.

While some local leaders in his constituency are reportedly unwilling to shift allegiance, Salvi’s upcoming announcement has sparked widespread political speculation. It has been confirmed that Salvi recently had a phone conversation with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and he is expected to publicly clarify his political stance within the next two days.

This development follows another blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT), as five former party corporators from Pune have decided to join the BJP. Of these, Bala Oswal and Vishal Dhanwade have already confirmed their exits.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) had secured 10 corporator seats in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections in 2017. However, one corporator joined the Shinde faction after the party split, while the rest stayed loyal to Uddhav Thackeray. With civic elections delayed until 2025, this latest defection could weaken the party's city presence.

Speaking about his decision to quit, Bala Oswal said, “I am firm on my decision. I will work for the betterment of the city.” Vishal Dhanwade also expressed similar sentiments, stating, “It was painful to leave the party I loved, but the lack of direction within the Pune unit was disturbing.”

Both leaders reiterated their respect for Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray but emphasized their need to join a party that aligns with their vision for the city's development.​