Shiv Sena (U.B.T.) leader Aaditya Thackeray has alleged that the recent wave of defections in Maharashtra is part of a larger political strategy aimed at preventing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from emerging as the BJP's prime ministerial face for 2029. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Aaditya claimed that certain elements within the BJP want to move Fadnavis to the Union Cabinet, a move he said would benefit former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He also accused the BJP of trying to "crush the voice of Maharashtra" and defended his party against allegations of organisational inactivity, saying defectors had "put a price tag on themselves and sold out." Watch the full report for all the latest political developments.