Sena (UBT) candidate Dilip Ghuge gives voters written pledge of loyalty to party

Dilip Ghuge, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) candidate in the 2026 Marathwada Graduates' Constituency election, has given voters a written pledge that he will remain loyal to the party. The pledge and a video of it have reportedly gone viral on social media and are being discussed in political circles.

Talk of defections is running high in Maharashtra politics these days, with several leaders and office-bearers said to be changing parties. Against this backdrop, Ghuge's move has drawn attention. A written promise of loyalty to the party from a candidate has become a talking point in the constituency election.

It is said that Ghuge has also made an indirect comment on candidates of other parties through this stand. According to him, some of the candidates contesting against him have earlier been in different parties. Ghuge therefore raised the point that they could change parties again later.

Loyalty to a party and attachment to its ideology are considered important in politics. However, there has been repeated criticism that many leaders leave their party as soon as power equations change. Against this background, Ghuge is seen as trying to win voters' trust by giving the pledge.

Issues such as the role of candidates, their political background and contact with voters may matter in the Marathwada Graduates' Constituency election. The promise of loyalty to the party is likely to give Ghuge's campaign a different direction. It is also believed that the pledge is an attempt to send a message to leaders and workers of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to stand firm in their stand.

In the pledge, Ghuge describes himself as the authorised candidate of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the 2026 Marathwada Graduates' Constituency election. He has written that he will remain loyal to the party and honest to its ideology, principles and leadership.

He has also written that he will not leave the party under any circumstances and will not join any other political party. He says he will honestly discharge the trust the party leadership has placed in him and the responsibility it has given him.

According to the pledge, Ghuge will keep working to maintain the party's image, reputation and organisational unity. He will follow the party's official policies and discipline, and work to strengthen the party and resolve the questions of graduates. He has also written that he will maintain loyalty, commitment and honesty towards the party throughout his political journey. At the bottom he has signed as Dilip Haribhau Ghuge, authorised candidate, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.

The available information gives no clear details on whether the pledge is legally binding or how the promises in it would be enforced. For now it is being seen only as a political promise and the start of a discussion on party loyalty.