In a major political development, former MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Dagdu Sakpal, a loyalist of Balasaheb Thackeray, switched sides to join the Sena led by Eknath Shinde on Sunday. Sakpal had served as an MLA from Mumbai's Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt, the stronghold of the Thackerays for more than five decades.
The move that comes just days before the Maharashtra civic body polls is likely to prove detrimental for the Thackeray faction, as Sakpal has great influence in the Lalbaug-Parel area.
Speculations are that Sakpal was unhappy over the Thackeray faction denying a ticket to his daughter, Reshma Sakpal, in the civic body elections. While many interpret this move as indicative of Sakpal's displeasure, it also signals the changing power centers in the Shiv Sena in the backdrop of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Who is Dagdu Sakpal
Sakpal has been an influential leader within the Shiv Sena since its formation. He had a very influential role among the mill workers and the Marathi middle-class voters. Sakpal is highly regarded as a leader among the Shiv Sainiks of Central Mumbai and has maintained close ties with both the organisation and local workers of the party.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Former Shiv Sena MLA Dagdu Sakpal quit Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in his presence pic.twitter.com/EHlHQIyTcb
— IANS (@ians_india) January 11, 2026
However, Sakpal’s standing within the party deteriorated recently. While Uddhav’s decision not to field his daughter, Reshma Sakpal, for the municipal elections was cited as an immediate provocation for his decision, there were murmurs that Sakpal was unhappy over being sidelined as he got older, especially during internal party meetings and consultations.
Sakpal didn’t mince words at the meeting held to announce his switch. “I spent 59 years of my life in the same house. We were formed with Balasaheb’s thoughts. However, for some time now, loyal workers have been sidelined. There is no respect for senior leaders in the decision-making process. It is difficult to stay at a party where thoughts are not valued. It is not easy to break this relationship. But Eknath Shinde is carrying forward Balasaheb’s thoughts, and there is a bow and arrow here. That is why I chose this path,” Sakpal said.
Why Sakpal’s switch will hurt Thackeray?
A decision by an influential Shiv Sainik like Dagdu sends a clear message that old leaders were preferring the Shinde group. It also reflects the Shinde Sena’s success at increasing organisational strength in the wake of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
As for Uddhav Thackeray, an old leader leaving the party gives legitimacy to the Shinde group as the real Shiv Sena.
The impact of Sakpal's party change may be limited in terms of direct voter turnout, but in a large and politically sensitive city like Mumbai, such 'moves' make a huge difference. This is because local voters often make decisions based on the leaders and social signals, according to analysts.
