Shiv Sena (UBT) struggles amid defections in Konkan, Marathwada
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) is grappling with a series of defections in its strongholds of Konkan and Marathwada, prompting party chief Uddhav Thackeray to hold a key meeting at Matoshree. The party is formulating strategies to counter the growing influence of the Eknath Shinde-led faction and the BJP.
On Saturday, Thackeray convened a meeting of senior leaders at Matoshree, where former MP Vinayak Raut was tasked with identifying new leadership for Rajapur. The move comes after former MLA Rajan Salvi and several other local leaders joined the Shinde faction. Salvi blamed Raut for his electoral defeat, citing a lack of support.
During the meeting, Raut reassured the leadership that despite defections, the party retains significant support in Rajapur and the Konkan region. He highlighted the continued influence of Balasaheb Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, announcing a series of public rallies in Sangameshwar, Chiplun, Lanja, and other parts of Ratnagiri to regain lost ground.
Notably, Bhaskar Jadhav, the party’s only remaining MLA from Konkan, did not attend the meeting. His WhatsApp status—a video showing goats blindly following their shepherd into a river, accompanied by a Marathi film song—sparked speculation about his dissatisfaction with the party leadership.
Jadhav has previously voiced disappointment over being overlooked for key positions, particularly as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. While he later clarified that his remarks were not directed at any specific leader, he expressed concerns over the party’s handling of internal discontent.
In Marathwada, the situation is worsening for Sena (UBT), with several leaders switching sides. Suresh Bankar, who had contested the assembly elections from Sillod in Jalna under the party’s banner, has rejoined the BJP, citing constituency interests. Another candidate from Aurangabad West, who had lost to Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shirsat, is also expected to return to the BJP. In Hingoli, Rupali Patil, who lost to BJP’s Tanaji Mutkule, is reportedly considering a switch.
A party leader from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar admitted that many leaders, including Rupali Patil, had been dissatisfied for months and were likely to join the ruling alliance. In the recent assembly elections, Sena (UBT) managed to win only three out of 46 seats in Marathwada, despite the region being a traditional stronghold.
With defections mounting, the party faces an uphill battle to retain its remaining leadership and rebuild its grassroots presence against an increasingly dominant Shinde Sena and BJP.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
