Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Neelam Gorhe joins Eknath Shinde camp

Dr Gorhe joined the party in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Amid the fast-changing political situation, Uddhav Thackeray received yet another rude shock when Maharashtra Legislative Council’s Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe switched over to Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Dr Gorhe (69), who is a four-term MLC, has been working for women’s issues for several decades.

She is the second lady MLC to switch sides after Dr Manisha Kayande.

Dr Gorhe joined Shiv Sena in the presence of CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP in a brief function at the Vidhan Bhavan complex.

In the Council, she is now the acting chairperson as the post of chairperson is vacant - and the incumbent is expected to be appointed during the ensuing monsoon session.

To questions, Shinde and Fadnavis made it clear that Dr Gorhe is not defecting to Shiv Sena but she is actually part of the Shiv Sena.

Dr Gorhe said that she is joining Shinde and the BJP-led NDA because of various issues. “I had joined the Shiv Sena when Balasaheb Thackeray was with us. The Shiv Sena is heading in the right direction under the able leadership of Shinde saheb…I have decided to join Shiv Sena keeping in mind the women’s issues and overall development of the state and country. Over the years, a lot of things have happened like abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing construction of Ram temple, law against triple talaq and the proposed uniform civil code,” she said.

Shinde said that it is a historic moment and it is a testament to how strong the BJP-Shiv Sena unity is. “Everyone is seeing the work we do, and this is why our Shiv Sena is getting stronger and people keep joining. Neelam Tai will be able to work freely with all her heart for women,” he added.

“The people of the state wanted to see us come together; it was their wish. These 50 people did not come here with lust for power. On the contrary, we left when we were already in power. Did we know what was going to happen when we moved out? We have common ideological ground right from Balasaheb and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s days. Ministries come and go but the ideology should not be compromised. Our ideals and our stand will never be compromised. Even the Supreme Court ruled in our favour,” Shinde said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray said: “I do not want to comment on it.”

A close aide of Thackeray and MLC Anil Parab said: “They have got all opportunities in Shiv Sena and when the party is going through a bad phase, they are switching loyalties. This shows their self-interest.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare said that for the last six months they knew this was going to happen. “We have been watching your movements, your meetings,” she said.