Sachin Ahir Elected Deputy Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council

Maharashtra Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman on 1 July after leaving Shiv Sena (UBT) and joining Eknath Shinde’s faction. The election became possible when the opposition candidate J.M. Abhyankar withdrew, honoring council traditions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other leaders congratulated Ahir, noting his experience in municipal coordination, legislative affairs and labour union politics.

The move follows a recent split in Shiv Sena, dealing a blow to the Uddhav‑Thackeray‑led UBT camp. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised Ahir’s defection, accusing him of opportunism. Ahir responded that it was “unfortunate that when we were together we were regarded well, but after leaving we were labeled incompetent,” and defended his record of work for the party.

The election underscores shifting alliances within Maharashtra’s dominant regional party and strengthens the ruling coalition’s position in the upper house.