​​Deputy CM Shinde brushes aside Sena-UBT merger talks

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Deputy chief minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Tuesday dismissed speculation about a possible merger between Sena and Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT).The merger talk gained momentum after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve on Monday said he often felt that both the Sena factions should come together, although he acknowledged that his opinion alone did not matter. Responding to Danve’s remarks, Sena’s Sillod MLC Abdul Sattar said he shared a similar sentiment.Sattar, who has fielded his son Sameer in the Aurangabad-Jalna local authorities constituency MLC election, triggering rebellion within Mahayuti alliance, said no consultation would be necessary if Shinde decided to reunite the factions. Despite expressing concerns over the BJP’s role, Sattar said he would abide by any decision taken by Shinde.Sattar alleged that BJP had politically weakened Sena despite being an alliance partner, describing the current situation as “slow poisoning”, especially in light of recent electoral setbacks in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. “We must act now to secure the future,” he said.Speaking in Thane, Shinde avoided directly addressing the possibility of a merger, reiterating that his faction was the true inheritor of the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and leader Anand Dighe. He also stressed that his party formed govt twice with a mandate that reflected the aspirations of Maharashtra’s people. “The electorate has endorsed Sena, the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol, and the relentless efforts of our workers in recent local body polls,” he added.Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut had rejected the merger talk, saying the “real Shiv Sena” remained with Uddhav Thackeray. He described the Shinde-led faction as a “sister concern” created by Union home minister Amit Shah.Meanwhile, Sattar and Danve had an unexpected encounter on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway on Tuesday morning. The two briefly stepped out of their vehicles for an informal conversation before continuing their journeys. Sattar was reportedly on his way to Mumbai to meet Shinde.Multiple constituencies in the Marathwada region have witnessed rebellion within both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) camps ahead of the June 4 deadline for withdrawal of MLC nominations.While Danve accused BJP of trying to finish Sena, comparing the situation to “big fish eating small fish,” Sattar used a similar metaphor, alleging that BJP had “chopped off” the Sena’s leadership in certain regions. Responding sharply, Raut questioned Sattar’s stance, asking him to clarify his own position and allegiance. He accused leaders aligned with BJP of compromising their self-respect and identity, and urged Sattar to publicly articulate where he stands amid the political developments.