Rajan Salvi's Resignation Sparks Speculation Amid Shiv Sena Turmoil

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Rajan Salvi resigned as the party's deputy leader in Maharashtra's Rajapur constituency, citing prevailing circumstances. Speculation suggests he may join Eknath Shinde's faction, potentially weakening Uddhav Thackeray's Sena in their former stronghold. Salvi took moral responsibility for his electoral defeat in 2024.

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Rajan Salvi has stepped down from his position as deputy leader, citing the prevailing political landscape in his Rajapur constituency, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This move has fueled speculation about his potential switch to the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Salvi's resignation comes after a disappointing electoral performance in which he lost to Shiv Sena's Kiran Samant in the 2024 assembly elections. He has openly expressed dissatisfaction with local Sena (UBT) leaders, whom he blames for his defeat. Notably, Sena (UBT) won only 20 out of 288 assembly seats, while the Shinde Sena secured 57 seats.

The Sena landscape in Maharashtra remains dynamic, with many leaders realigning themselves with Shinde's camp. Amidst this, former MP Vinayak Raut claims Salvi's switch aims to challenge the influence of Rajapur MLA Kiran Samant and his brother, Minister Uday Samant.

(With inputs from agencies.)