Maharashtra Polls: Ex-MLA Bhosale Quits BJP, MNS Faces Setback, Joins Shinde

Multiple leaders, including Nitin Bhosale, join Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of Maharashtra polls.

By : Ritwik Dutta | Updated at : 06 Jan 2026 06:54 PM (IST)

Maharashtra political shuffle dhuri bhosale join shinde shiv sena Maharashtra Polls: Ex-MLA Bhosale Quits BJP, MNS Faces Setback, Joins Shinde

Former MNS general secretary Santosh Dhuri quit his party and joined the BJP, chanting Jai Maharashtra.

Source : ANI

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In the run-up to the Maharashtra municipal elections, party-switching has intensified as leaders strategise to secure electoral opportunities. Around 70 corporators from the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance were elected unopposed, prompting opposition parties to court local leaders to bolster their ranks. Former MNS general secretary Santosh Dhuri quit his party and joined the BJP, chanting Jai Maharashtra while criticizing Raj Thackeray for “handing over” MNS to Shiv Sena. Soon after, the MNS faced another setback as spokesperson Hemant Kamble and general secretary Raja Chougule joined the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.

Bhosale, Leaders Join Shinde’s Shiv Sena

Meanwhile, former MLA Nitin Bhosale, who had joined the BJP from Sharad Pawar’s NCP on December 25, switched to Shinde’s Shiv Sena after being denied a ticket for the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections. His family’s exclusion from the electoral process was cited as a key reason for leaving the BJP. The party entry drive also saw former mayor Vinayak Pandey, Yatin Wagh, and Congress leader Shahu Khaire joining Shinde’s Shiv Sena.

During Nitin Bhosale’s BJP induction, there had been a minor ruckus at the party office, with Minister Girish Mahajan being surrounded by supporters. These defections underscore the ongoing jockeying for political advantage ahead of the municipal polls, with the Shinde faction appearing to benefit from the influx of seasoned leaders from rival parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are leaders switching parties before the Maharashtra municipal elections?

Leaders are switching parties to secure electoral opportunities and strengthen their positions in the upcoming municipal elections. This is a common strategy in the run-up to polls.

Which parties are seeing leaders defecting?

Leaders are defecting from the MNS and NCP to join the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). Some former Congress leaders have also joined the Shinde faction.

What prompted Nitin Bhosale to switch parties?

Former MLA Nitin Bhosale switched to Shinde's Shiv Sena after being denied a ticket by the BJP for the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections. His family's exclusion from the electoral process was a key reason.

Which faction of Shiv Sena seems to be gaining from these defections?

The Shinde faction of Shiv Sena appears to be benefiting the most, with an influx of seasoned leaders joining their ranks from rival parties.

About the author Ritwik Dutta

Ritwik Dutta is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, who blends an engineer’s precision with a reporter’s instinct. With a background in data and analytics, he delivers evidence-driven, real-time coverage of key national and global developments, breaking down complex subjects into clear, engaging stories that make information more accessible and strengthen public understanding.

For tips and queries, write to ritwikd@abpnetwork.com.