Mumbai

Aditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena-UBT MLA from Worli and son of party Chief Uddhav Thackeray, was elected as the SS-UBT Legislative Party Leader on Monday. Bhaskar Jadhav, a seven-time MLA from Guhagar, has been appointed as the SS-UBT Group Leader in the Assembly, while Sunil Prabhu, a three-time MLA from Dindoshi, will serve as Chief Whip.

The decisions were made during a meeting chaired by Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, attended by newly elected MLAs and senior party leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, announced that Aditya Thackeray will lead the party in both legislative houses.

Despite limited numbers, Jadhav expressed the party’s interest in securing the Leader of Opposition position, keeping all options open. To prevent defections, Uddhav Thackeray indicated plans to require affidavits from all MLAs, a measure prompted by past rebellions, including the one that toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in June 2022.

In the 288-member Assembly, the MVA allies secured 48 seats, with SS-UBT winning 20, Congress 16, and NCP-Sharad Pawar faction 10. Independent MLAs and smaller parties are expected to offer support. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance has hinted at potential defections from the Opposition, raising concerns about the stability of MVA ranks.