The case of Sanjay Shirsat is no exception. Shiv Sena’s rebel MLA Sanjay Shirsat, who went with Eknath Shinde, tweeted that Uddhav Thackeray is the family head i.e. the head of the Shiv Sena family. He deleted the tweet 10 minutes later but said he was upset with the cabinet expansion. Obviously Shirsat is not the only leader to be angry. Due to the 40 days taken for the formation of the cabinet and no allocation of portfolios even after five days, it is evident that many MLAs of the Shinde faction are angry. It is being told that Uddhav Thackeray is in touch with the rebel MLAs through his close leaders.
It is also being said that after Sanjay Raut’s removal from the scene, the activity of other leaders has increased and the rebel MLAs are also very comfortable in talking to them. Earlier, all the conversations were done through Raut and he used to talk in his own style. Many MLAs are telling that their guess was to dominate. The style of Milind Narvekar, who was Uddhav’s advisor, is easy compared to him. He has spoken to many MLAs. There are complaints from MLAs but no one is against Uddhav Thackeray at all. Everyone is considering the possibility of return.
At present, a total of 20 ministers have been made in Maharashtra, including the Chief Minister, out of which 10 MLAs from the rebel faction, including Shinde. Four more ministerial posts will be available in the next expansion. After that the rebellion in Shinde faction will increase as there are 30 contenders for that four post. They feel that as an MLA, they were good even in Shiv Sena, then what is the point of revolting and going to a different faction. Shiv Sena can get the benefit of this situation. Everyone is also feeling that BJP can conduct elections before time, for which most of the MLAs are not ready.