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Direct Contest for Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Post Today: Sachin Ahir vs. J. M. Abhyankar
Mumbai: A significant political development has unfolded regarding the election for the post of Legislative Council Deputy Chairman. A direct electoral contest is set to take place today (Wednesday, July 1, 2026) between Sachin Ahir of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and J. M. Abhyankar, a Teachers' Constituency MLC from the Uddhav Sena.
Just fifteen days after six MPs left the Uddhav Thackeray faction, a major political upheaval has occurred in the Legislative Council as well. On Tuesday, Sachin Ahir joined the Shinde Sena and filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman post. With J. M. Abhyankar also filing a nomination against him on behalf of the Uddhav Sena, the election became inevitable.
Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde had announced the election for the Deputy Chairman post on Monday. On Tuesday, Abhyankar filed his nomination in the presence of Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve and Congress MLA Abhijit Vanjari.
Statement by Sachin Ahir
Speaking at a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after filing his nomination, Sachin Ahir said, "I will strive to resolve the issues faced by the common people while being part of the government. We were good when we were together; how have we become selfish now?" Ahir has resigned from all his posts within the Uddhav Sena.
Eknath Shinde's View
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "We have come to unite, not to break apart. By implementing a development agenda, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of the common people. Whatever we do, we ensure it is foolproof." Shinde expressed confidence that since Sachin Ahir is a grassroots worker, the party's strength in the labor sector would increase.
Aditya Thackeray's Reaction
Commenting on Sachin Ahir's defection, Uddhav Sena leader Aditya Thackeray said, "Those to whom the party gave everything are the very ones leaving for the sake of self-interest. The party will not weaken due to anyone's arrival or departure. Action regarding the defection will be taken in accordance with the rules." This election has intensified the power struggle between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Today's vote counting will prove significant for Maharashtra's politics.
Mumbai: A significant political development has unfolded regarding the election for the post of Legislative Council Deputy Chairman. A direct electoral contest is set to take place today (Wednesday, July 1, 2026) between Sachin Ahir of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and J. M. Abhyankar, a Teachers' Constituency MLC from the Uddhav Sena.
Just fifteen days after six MPs left the Uddhav Thackeray faction, a major political upheaval has occurred in the Legislative Council as well. On Tuesday, Sachin Ahir joined the Shinde Sena and filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman post. With J. M. Abhyankar also filing a nomination against him on behalf of the Uddhav Sena, the election became inevitable.
Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde had announced the election for the Deputy Chairman post on Monday. On Tuesday, Abhyankar filed his nomination in the presence of Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve and Congress MLA Abhijit Vanjari.
Statement by Sachin Ahir
Speaking at a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after filing his nomination, Sachin Ahir said, "I will strive to resolve the issues faced by the common people while being part of the government. We were good when we were together; how have we become selfish now?" Ahir has resigned from all his posts within the Uddhav Sena.
Eknath Shinde's View
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "We have come to unite, not to break apart. By implementing a development agenda, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of the common people. Whatever we do, we ensure it is foolproof." Shinde expressed confidence that since Sachin Ahir is a grassroots worker, the party's strength in the labor sector would increase.
Aditya Thackeray's Reaction
Commenting on Sachin Ahir's defection, Uddhav Sena leader Aditya Thackeray said, "Those to whom the party gave everything are the very ones leaving for the sake of self-interest. The party will not weaken due to anyone's arrival or departure. Action regarding the defection will be taken in accordance with the rules." This election has intensified the power struggle between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Today's vote counting will prove significant for Maharashtra's politics.
Just fifteen days after six MPs left the Uddhav Thackeray faction, a major political upheaval has occurred in the Legislative Council as well. On Tuesday, Sachin Ahir joined the Shinde Sena and filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman post. With J. M. Abhyankar also filing a nomination against him on behalf of the Uddhav Sena, the election became inevitable.
Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde had announced the election for the Deputy Chairman post on Monday. On Tuesday, Abhyankar filed his nomination in the presence of Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve and Congress MLA Abhijit Vanjari.
Statement by Sachin Ahir
Speaking at a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after filing his nomination, Sachin Ahir said, "I will strive to resolve the issues faced by the common people while being part of the government. We were good when we were together; how have we become selfish now?" Ahir has resigned from all his posts within the Uddhav Sena.
Eknath Shinde's View
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, "We have come to unite, not to break apart. By implementing a development agenda, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of the common people. Whatever we do, we ensure it is foolproof." Shinde expressed confidence that since Sachin Ahir is a grassroots worker, the party's strength in the labor sector would increase.
Aditya Thackeray's Reaction
Commenting on Sachin Ahir's defection, Uddhav Sena leader Aditya Thackeray said, "Those to whom the party gave everything are the very ones leaving for the sake of self-interest. The party will not weaken due to anyone's arrival or departure. Action regarding the defection will be taken in accordance with the rules." This election has intensified the power struggle between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Today's vote counting will prove significant for Maharashtra's politics.
