ULHASNAGAR: Amid celebrations marking the 60th foundation day of Shiv Sena and reports of a major split within Shiv Sena (UBT), leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have intensified calls for deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde to be reinstated as Maharashtra’s chief minister.Adding to the chorus, Ulhasnagar Mayor Ashwini Kamlesh Nikam on Friday said that Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra and a large section of the general public want Shinde to once again lead the state as chief minister.In a statement issued on Friday, Nikam said Shinde had demonstrated decisive leadership and had accelerated development projects across Maharashtra during his tenure as chief minister. She claimed that party workers and citizens alike believe he should be given another opportunity to head the state government.The demand comes at a politically significant moment for the Shiv Sena. The party’s 60th foundation day celebrations were overshadowed by reports that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction have either formed a separate group or are preparing to align with the Shinde-led Sena, triggering fresh turmoil within the opposition camp. Reports suggest the development could substantially strengthen Shinde’s position in Maharashtra politics and increase his faction’s strength in Parliament.Speaking at the Shiv Sena’s foundation day event in Mumbai, Shinde hinted at further political developments, remarking that the recent rebellion was “just the trailer” and that “the picture is still remaining,” a statement widely interpreted as a signal that more leaders could cross over to his camp in the coming days.The latest developments have reignited speculation within political circles over the future leadership dynamics in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. While the BJP continues to lead the government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena leaders have increasingly been projecting Shinde as the face of the party’s expansion and resurgence following the 2022 split.Political observers believe the reported entry of six UBT MPs into the Shinde camp has further boosted the Deputy Chief Minister’s stature within both the alliance and the party.For now, there has been no official response from the BJP or the Mahayuti leadership on the renewed demand for Shinde’s return as chief minister.