Mumbai, June 26 -- Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, has categorically dismissed speculation about his possible switch to the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), reiterating his continued loyalty to the grand old party.

The development comes after Industries Minister Uday Samant remarked that the ruling party would welcome Wadettiwar should he decide to join the Shiv Sena.

Addressing the media over the false reports, Wadettiwar described the claims of his alleged defection as "deliberate misinformation.""I am a loyal worker of the Congress party and have fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to me with honesty. Whenever I raise my voice against the failures of the Mahayuti government, baseless rumors regarding my party-switching ...