India, June 30 -- In a major political setback for Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), senior leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) member Sachin Ahir joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday, just ahead of the election for the Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Ahir formally switched allegiance in the presence of senior leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance and subsequently filed his nomination as the alliance's candidate for the Deputy Chairman's post. His move is being viewed as a significant boost for the Shinde faction while dealing another blow to the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT).

A seasoned politician, Ahir began his political career with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before joi...