Shiv Sena Leader Joins Eknath Shinde

Ahead of Shiv Sena’s foundation day, Manisha Kayande, an MLC from Shiv Sena (UBT), has joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kayande cited inaccessibility to Uddhav Thackeray and alleged money-seeking practices within the Thackeray faction as reasons for her decision. This comes as another blow to the Thackeray-led group, following senior leader Shishir Shinde’s recent resignation.
During her joining ceremony in Thane, Kayande emphasized that the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde represents the original party envisioned by Balasaheb Thackeray. She praised the efficient functioning of the Shinde government since it assumed power in June last year. Kayande criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and party leader Sushma Andhare, indirectly accusing them of promoting the agendas of the NCP and Congress. She argued that those who criticize others in the morning and speak against Hindu deities cannot be the face of Shiv Sena.
Hours before her move, the Thackeray-led faction removed Kayande from her role as spokesperson, citing “anti-party” activities. However, she remains a member of the parent party and is not expelled. Kayande stated that her decision was not driven by any anti-party activities but rather the inability to provide feedback to the leadership and address issues like alleged money-seeking from women within the party. Kayande, who joined Shiv Sena (Undivided) in 2012, also asserted that no one in the party favored aligning with Congress and NCP after the 2019 elections.
The Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray factions, both claiming the legacy of Bal Thackeray, will celebrate the Shiv Sena’s foundation day separately in Mumbai.
Re-reported from the article originally published in NDTV