Maharashtra: Current political uncertainty haunts those who switched loyalties

THANE: With the current stalemate in political circles likely to persist for long, several activists from other parties who had switched allegiance and joined the Eknath Shinde camp of Shiv Sena much ahead of the rebellion, now claim to be in a quandary.
Local leaders, requesting anonymity, said many functionaries from other parties had migrated to the Sena assuming their issues would be sorted out as the party (Sena) and their leaders were in a formidable position not just in the city but at the state also. However, stunned by this sudden rebellion, many functionaries now fear of being left behind and alienated within the Shiv Sena if the rebels exit the party as predicted by few Sena leaders.
"We were already part of an equally bigger party but switched over to Sena under the impression that our local issues would get a faster resolution. We were taken aback by the sudden turn of events. It will now be difficult for us to be absorbed back into our primary party now and are unsure if we will be accepted if we stay back in the Sena. We may have to follow Shinde sahib’s footsteps else wait and watch till we get some clarity," said a functionary who recently joined the Sena from Thane suburbs.
However, many hopefuls who were planning to switch over ahead of the corporation elections keeping in mind better prospects are likely to have stalled their plans for now. The Thane political circles are abuzz with theories of few established and ambitious leaders from other parties who had plans to join the Sena ahead of the municipal polls. However, none of these opened up about their aborted plans but instead were appealing others to stay loyal to their respective parties.
"The current political scenario is very confusing and every second moment is springing up a surprise. This is not the right time to switch loyalty and is wiser to stay put in your own party irrespective of the outcome in the municipal polls. Let the dust settle before taking any decision. The outcome of this quandary could be the deciding factor," said a corporator requesting anonymity.
Meanwhile, Naresh Mhaske, a close confidante of Shinde from Thane, told TOI on Sunday that they were aware of the situation and said everyone would be accommodated appropriately. "We are confident of winning the situation and all those who joined us recently will be with us," he said.