Internal Rift In UBT Shiv Sena: Chandrakant Khaire Accuses Ambadas Danve Of Factionalism

A significant internal conflict has surfaced within the ranks of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) Shiv Sena, as two senior leaders from the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, Chandrakant Khaire and Ambadas Danve, openly criticized each other on Monday.

Chandrakant Khaire, a six-time Member of Parliament, launched a scathing attack on Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, accusing him of overstepping boundaries and meddling in local politics.

Khaire expressed his frustration after being questioned about his absence from a recent UBT Shiv Sena gathering in Sambhaji Nagar. He claimed he had not been invited to the event, despite his desire to address party workers.

“Ambadas Danve thinks he is the main leader of Sambhaji Nagar, but his position won’t last more than two or three months. He only engages in mischief and creates problems for me,” said Khaire. “I will lodge a complaint with Uddhav Thackeray. We have an upcoming party programme where Uddhavji will be present, and I will raise this issue there.” Khaire also pointed to his long-standing commitment to the party, saying, “I built the Shiv Sena in Sambhaji Nagar. I protested on the streets, faced police action, and even went to jail. What has Ambadas done? I was made a minister by Balasaheb, but Ambadas only engages in internal politics. Does he think I am irrelevant?”

Switching tone briefly, Khaire added: “Today, Uddhavji is facing a crisis. We need to come together and work unitedly. But if someone is indulging in factionalism, I cannot accept that. I will die but never leave the party. Ambadas acts like he has grown too big, but I nurtured this party, and he only causes rifts.”

In response, Ambadas Danve refused to criticise Khaire directly. “Khaireji is a senior leader, and I will not comment against him. If he wants to complain to Uddhavji, I am ready to accept whatever decision Uddhavji makes,” Danve said.

He also clarified that Khaire was indeed invited to the event, and his name had been mentioned on the invitation card.