Maharashtra: Shiv Sena-UBT legislator Ravindra Waikar joins Eknath Shinde-led party

Mumbai, March 10 (IANS) Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (SS-UBT) legislator and former Maharashtra minister Ravindra Waikar has switched to the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This move comes as a major setback to the party supremo and former CM Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Waikar made the switch just a day after welcoming Uddhav Thackeray to Jogeshwari East, the constituency he represents in the Maharashtra Assembly.

Waikar has been under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in luxury hotel construction. The Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police booked Waikar and five others on a complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Furthermore, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently withdrew its order revoking permission granted to Waikar to build a five-star hotel in Jogeshwari East.

Following this development, speculation about Waikar’s switch to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena began circulating. Upon joining the Shinde-led Sena, Waikar expressed his cooperation with probe agencies and his commitment to continuing to do so. He mentioned that his decision to join CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena aims to complete various pending developmental works in his constituency due to lack of funds.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed Waikar, his family, and other ‘Shiv Sainiks’ and office bearers who joined the Sena faction led by him. Shinde assured to consider the work proposals submitted by Waikar and make necessary decisions for their completion. He also praised Waikar’s over four-decade political journey, highlighting his dedication as a true ‘Shiv Sainik’ who had worked with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.