India, March 27 -- In a blow to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Sangli district chief Sanjay Vibhute, Yuva Sena district head Rushikesh Patil, and Miraj leader Siddharth Jadhav will join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Vibhute, who joined Shiv Sena in 2002, inspired by Balasaheb Thackeray's vision, claimed he had dedicated himself to the philosophy of "80% social work, 20% politics."

He played a key role in strengthening the party's network in the Khanapur Assembly constituency. His defection is seen as a major political shift that could weaken the Thackeray faction's influence in the Sangli district.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife about Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) lea...