India, June 30 -- In a setback for Shiv Sena (UBT), former MLA Sachin Ahir on Tuesday joined the faction led by Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.

Ahir, a former MLA from Worli and a close confidante of Aaditya Thackeray, also filed his nomination for the post of deputy chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Confirming the development, Shrikant Shinde said Ahir had formally joined the Shiv Sena and was handed the nomination form for the deputy chairman's election.

Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve confirmed that MLC Jagannath Abhyankar is the Maha Vikas Aghadi nominee.

Talking to reporters in the Vidhan Bhavan, state Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant said, "Sachin Ahir is a senior MLC and he has raised hi...