Mumbai: In a significant political development ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election results, the BJP suffered a blow as its Mumbai secretary and prominent Mahim leader Sachin Shinde switched allegiance to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). Shinde, along with his supporters, formally joined the party at Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray.
The ceremony was marked by Thackeray welcoming Shinde into the Shiv Sena (UBT) fold by tying the traditional 'Shiv Bandhan' on the latter's wrist. Senior leaders, including Mahesh Sawant and Senate member Pradeep Sawant, were present alongside a large gathering of Shiv Sainiks to witness the induction.
A Tough Battle For Mahim Assembly Seat
The Mahim Assembly constituency is facing a fierce triangular contest in the elections. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has fielded his son Amit Thackeray as its candidate from the seat. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) has countered by nominating Mahesh Baliram Sawant, while Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction has chosen sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar as its contender.
Sada Sarvankar, who currently represents the Mahim constituency, adds weight to Eknath Shinde’s camp. However, the battle becomes even more intense due to the strategic significance of the seat.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, whose residence is located in Mahim, reportedly hoped to garner joint support from both the BJP and Shiv Sena factions for his candidate. This expectation, however, remains unfulfilled, further intensifying the electoral competition.