In a significant development for Maharashtra's political landscape, a veteran and firebrand leader from the era of Balasaheb Thackeray has switched sides. Dagdu Sakpal, a longstanding Shiv Sainik, has officially left the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the faction headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A Move Sparked by Discontent
The primary catalyst for Sakpal's dramatic exit was a decision by the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership. The party denied a ticket to his son for an upcoming electoral contest. This perceived slight proved to be the final straw for the loyalist, leading him to seek allegiance elsewhere. His joining ceremony with the Shinde camp was documented and shared widely on social media, including by news agency ANI, on January 11, 2026.
Deepening the Rift in Sena's Legacy
Dagdu Sakpal is not just any party worker; he is recognized as a hardcore Shiv Sainik who rose through the ranks during the party's formative years under Balasaheb Thackeray's charismatic leadership. His defection is symbolic, representing the erosion of the old guard from the Uddhav Thackeray faction. It underscores the ongoing and intense battle for the legacy of the Shiv Sena between the two rival groups. The move strengthens Eknath Shinde's claim of representing the true spirit of the original Shiv Sena, while simultaneously weakening the UBT's cadre base.
Implications for Maharashtra Politics
This defection has immediate and future consequences:
- It bolsters Eknath Shinde's faction by adding a seasoned leader with grassroots connections.
- It deals a psychological blow to Shiv Sena (UBT), highlighting internal dissatisfaction over ticket distribution.
- It sets a precedent that could influence other disgruntled leaders contemplating a similar shift.
The political realignment in Maharashtra continues to be fluid, with personal ambitions and local equations often driving major changes. Sakpal's move, rooted in a familial grievance, exemplifies how internal party dynamics can significantly alter the broader political chessboard. All eyes will now be on how the Uddhav Thackeray-led party responds to this loss and whether this triggers further exits in the lead-up to crucial elections.
