Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Rajan Salvi Meets Uddhav Thackeray Amid Quitting Rumours

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Salvi met with party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday to express his dissatisfaction over the factors that led to his defeat in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. There have been rumours that Salvi might quit the party, but the meeting seemed to focus on addressing his concerns.

Salvi, who had represented the Rajapur constituency since 2009, lost to the rival Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Samant in the November 2024 elections. Following his loss, Salvi has been meeting party functionaries from Rajapur, Lanja, and Dabhol over the past two days, listening to their views on why he lost the election.

Salvi’s recent actions indicate that he is seeking answers and clarity about the reasons behind his defeat. 

"I met Uddhav Thackeray. Whatever developments happened in my constituency, whatever my workers told me, has been conveyed to him. He heard the reasons behind my defeat. I hope he will make an appropriate decision," Salvi told reporters.

"I am upset about the reasons for the defeat. I have conveyed these feelings to Uddhav Thackeray," he added, hinting that he was unhappy with some people within the party.

When asked if local party functionaries wanted him to join the BJP , he did not give any direct answer.

"Their views and the chronology of events before the defeat have been put forth before the Shiv Sena chief (Thackeray)," Salvi said.

When asked for comment by reporters, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said Salvi is a staunch Sena man, and it is unlikely that he will quit the party.

In 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Maharashtra Police initiated a probe against Salvi for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets.