On February 13, 2026, Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), declared that disciplinary action will be taken against local party members in Chandrapur who supported the BJP during the recent mayoral elections. This unexpected support for the BJP has raised eyebrows within the party and sparked discussions about loyalty and unity among its ranks. Raut emphasized that the actions of these local leaders do not reflect the views of party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
During a press conference, Raut expressed his discontent with the decisions made by local leaders, stating, "Whatever happened in Chandrapur was not the position of our party chief." He reassured party supporters that the leadership is aware of these developments and will not tolerate any actions that undermine the party's integrity. He warned that those who have acted out of self-interest at the expense of the party will be held accountable.
- Recent election results — The BJP's Sangeeta Khandekar won the mayoral election by a narrow margin, defeating Congress candidate Vaishali Mahadule by a single vote.
- Opposition unity questioned — The alliance between Sena (UBT) and BJP raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition.
- Political implications — Raut's statements highlight the internal strife within the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the challenges it faces in maintaining party cohesion.
The election was particularly significant as it highlighted the shifting dynamics within local politics, where the Congress party had previously emerged as the largest party in the Chandrapur municipal corporation. With Congress winning 27 seats and the BJP securing 23, the election of a BJP mayor came as a surprise, particularly given the prior expectations that the Congress would secure the post.
Raut's comments underscore the ongoing tensions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) as they navigate their positioning in the political landscape. The party's ability to address this internal conflict will be crucial as they prepare for future elections, especially in light of the recent electoral setback. As the situation unfolds, observers will be keenly watching how the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership responds to the challenges posed by dissent within its ranks and the implications for the broader political alliances in Maharashtra.
