Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande rippled UTB Sena by joining CM Shinde’s Shiv Sena late Sunday. Earlier in the day, following reports of her shift, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party sacked her as party spokesperson for anti-party activities. Kayande is the second MLC to join the Shinde faction after Viplav Bajoria in February. Sena UBT’s strength in the 78-member council (21 of the 78 seats are vacant) has come down to 10.
Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat, who had quit Sena (UBT) to join the CM’s party and resigned as deputy leader told Afternoon Voice “There are many MLAs, corporators and office-bearers who want to join the Shinde’s group. Some of them will join within two days and others in the coming week. The real Shiv Sainik will support Bala Saheb’s Sena, they will not support Uddhav and his family”.
Another MLA who is soon join Shinde said “In spite of all these developments Uddhav Thackrey and his son Aditya have not mend their ways, they are never available for workers and their arrogance is way beyond tolerance”.
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said “MLC Manisha Kayande leaving UTB Sena will not make any difference to the party, she is an “opportunist butterfly”, “These people are selfish and had nothing to do with the Shiv Sena. They came for selfish reasons and went for selfish reasons. It was our mistake in identifying such people. From now on, we will take care that this doesn’t happen…These exits won’t have any impact on the Sena (UBT).”
Kayande had lost the 2009 assembly polls from Sion on a BJP ticket. She later joined the then undivided Shiv Sena in 2012. She was also on the BMC’s education committee. More people from the Thackeray faction will also join us,” said MLA Sanjay Shirsat, who had quit the Shiv Sena (UBT) to join the CM’s party Saturday. Till date, 40 of the 56 Sena (UBT) MLAs and two MLCs have switched over to the Shinde faction. Viplav Bajoria was the first Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC to switch loyalty and the Shiv Sena’s bid to get him appointed as whip was seen as Shinde’s attempt to break the UBT’s grip in the state legislative council.
