In a significant political development that deals another blow to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), senior trade union leader and former BEST Kamgar Sena president Suhas Samant has officially joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The joining ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Dadar's Suryavanshi Hall in Mumbai.
Political Defection Amid Personal Tragedy
The veteran union leader's move comes at a crucial time, just ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and represents another high-profile defection from the Thackeray camp to the Shinde-led Sena. Samant, who had served as deputy leader in the Sena UBT, was welcomed into the Shinde faction in the presence of the Deputy CM and several senior party leaders.
Speaking at the event, Samant revealed the personal turmoil he experienced following his resignation from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. "They could have waited for a month before replacing me," he said, referring to the tragic death of his son shortly after his resignation. "My 51 years of loyalty were forgotten overnight."
Background of the Political Shift
The political realignment stems from August events when Samant resigned from his position after the Sena (UBT)-MNS panel suffered a comprehensive defeat, losing all 21 seats in the election to the BEST Employees' Co-operative Credit Society Ltd. The election was won by a panel backed by BJP legislators Prasad Lad and Pravin Darekar.
Expressing his disappointment with the Thackeray leadership, Samant stated: "I lived honestly with Matoshree for 51 years and led the BEST Kamgar Sena for 25 years. Because of one defeat, I was forced to resign. My 51-year career was reduced to nothing in an instant."
The veteran leader also criticized the decision to contest the election jointly with both Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj. "If we had won, both would have claimed the credit; since we lost, I was blamed," he remarked during the joining ceremony.
Strategic Implications for Mumbai Politics
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warmly welcomed Samant into the party, emphasizing that Samant's extensive association with the BEST undertaking would significantly help strengthen the organization. In recognition of his experience and influence, Samant has been appointed as a deputy leader in the Shinde-led Sena.
Explaining his decision to switch allegiances, Samant said his move was driven by concern for the transport body and its workers. "If I have to save BEST and its employees, ensure pensions and job security, I had no option but to go with Eknath Shinde," he stated. "If BEST collapses, its employees will suffer the same fate as Mumbai's mill workers."
Shinde used the occasion to announce the government's commitment to reviving the loss-making BEST undertaking. "We will bring BEST out of losses and ensure the welfare of its employees," the Deputy CM assured.
The BEST Kamgar Sena, once among Mumbai's most powerful labour unions, has been closely linked to the Shiv Sena's rise in city politics and its working-class base. Following the 2022 split in the party, the union had remained with Uddhav Thackeray, who later appointed Sachin Ahir as its new president after Samant's exit.
Political observers note that Samant's departure adds to the growing list of senior leaders and former corporators who have crossed over to the Shinde camp in the past two years. This move is expected to help the Shinde-led Sena consolidate its hold among civic and transport employees, a crucial voter base in Mumbai, particularly with the BMC elections approaching.
