Sanjay Raut claims Maharashtra to have third Deputy CM from Shinde faction, accuses fear of ED & CBI

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has predicted that Maharashtra will soon appoint a third Deputy Chief Minister, with the new candidate expected to come from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). Raut, a prominent figure in Uddhav Thackeray's faction of Shiv Sena, stated, "Maharashtra will get a third deputy CM soon. It will be someone from among them (Shiv Sena-Shinde)." This statement has intensified speculation regarding the ongoing political developments within the Shinde faction, which has been at the center of discussions since the party split in 2022.

The Shiv Sena split in 2022 after Eknath Shinde, a senior leader from the party, led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. This move resulted in the formation of two factions: the Shinde-led faction and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Shinde’s faction formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and subsequently took control of the Maharashtra government, with Shinde appointed as Chief Minister. Uddhav Thackeray, who previously held the position, formed the opposition faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), maintaining its ideological stance against the alliance with the BJP.

Raut’s comment regarding a potential third Deputy Chief Minister comes amid ongoing factional tensions within the Shinde-led group. The Shinde faction is facing internal discord as members, including prominent leaders like Industries Minister Uday Samant, are believed to have support from a significant number of MLAs. Raut had earlier suggested that Samant could play a key role in splitting the Shinde faction, with Samant reportedly having the backing of around 20 MLAs. However, Samant has denied any differences with Shinde and has dismissed suggestions of a split, stating that efforts are being made to create rifts within the party.

Raut further criticized Shinde and his faction, accusing them of abandoning Shiv Sena due to fears of legal action from central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He stated, "These people ran away in fear of the ED and CBI." This remark suggests Raut’s belief that the split was not only political but also influenced by external pressures, particularly the scrutiny faced by Shinde and his associates from central agencies.

Eknath Shinde, who is currently the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, responded to Raut’s accusations during a recent event marking the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. Shinde, who assumed the position after the political realignment, criticized Uddhav Thackeray for abandoning the principles of the party’s founder in 2019. Shinde remarked, "You left Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology in 2019 only for the CM chair. You trampled on his principles." He further stated that Uddhav’s decision to align with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress for forming the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was a deviation from Balasaheb Thackeray’s core values, which focused on Hindutva and Maharashtra’s regional identity.

Shinde emphasized that his leadership was grounded in the teachings and values of Balasaheb Thackeray. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, "Self-respect is more important to us than any chair," underscoring the importance of dignity over political power. Shinde’s leadership continues to be framed as one that prioritizes the service of Maharashtra over political gain, with a focus on maintaining the party's original ideology.

Maharashtra currently has two Deputy Chief Ministers: Eknath Shinde and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar. While Raut’s claim about a third Deputy CM continues to stir political discourse, it reflects ongoing tensions within the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena and the broader political environment in Maharashtra. Both factions, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT), continue to position themselves for the upcoming electoral challenges, with both sides seeking to consolidate their support base in the state.