Uddhav's Sena Dismisses Manisha Kayande From Party Spokesperson's Post, MLC Likely To Join Shinde Faction Soon

Uddhav Thackeray faction leader Manisha Kayande has been dismissed from the Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson post.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Manisha Kayande has been dismissed from the party's spokesperson post on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. The news comes as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray prepares to address a state-level convention of his party's workers in Mumbai. 

Kayande is all set to join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Sunday evening, according to a representative for the party. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders slammed Kayande, alleging that despite having everything in the group, she decided to quit, news agency PTI reported.

Former MLA Shishir Shinde resigned from the Thackeray-led group on Saturday.

Shiv Sena spokesman and MLA Sanjay Shirsat informed media on Sunday that Kayande along with many others will join the party in the presence of CM Shinde at his official house ‘Varsha’.

Shirsat did not mention Shishir Shinde, but he did say that many more leaders will join the CM-led party.

Kayande's tenure as a member of the state Legislative Council expires on July 27, 2024. She is a Legislative Assembly quota member.

The Shiv Sena parted in June of last year after Eknath Shinde and 39 other Shiv Sena MLAs revolted against then-Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government of the Sena, NCP, and Congress.

With the BJP's assistance, Eknath Shinde later became chief minister, and the Election Commission of India later awarded his faction the original party name and 'bow and arrow' emblem, while the Thackeray faction was renamed Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).

The Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray factions will hold separate celebrations here on Monday to commemorate the party's founding day.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders slammed Kayande, saying despite getting everything in the organisation she has chosen to quit. “She joined us after leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), got everything, and now since she is unlikely to be re-nominated to the Legislative Council, she has chosen to leave,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut said.