During a major election rally in Thane, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders claimed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde considered joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in June 2022 out of fear of imprisonment, but the united party dismissed his request.

According to MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha Elections 2024 candidate Rajan Vichare, Shinde voiced concerns about being investigated by the CBI-ED and believed that joining the BJP would provide him with safety. When asked for more information, Shinde remained cryptic, reported IANS.