30 April,2026 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Shiv Sena
In a significant political development, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the induction of Bacchu Kadu into Shiv Sena and named him as a candidate for the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Former Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe was also declared a candidate. The announcement, made just hours before the nomination deadline, triggered intense discussion across political circles.
The decision is being seen as a departure from conventional political practices, particularly the tendency to keep protest leaders at a distance from formal power structures. By nominating Kadu, known for his grassroots activism, the leadership appears to be attempting to bring representatives of social movements directly into governance.
At an event in Mumbai, Kadu formally joined Shiv Sena and outlined his future political course. He stated that while Prahar Sanghatana would continue to operate as an independent social organisation, its political engagement would now align with Shiv Sena.
According to Kadu, the move is aimed at strengthening advocacy for farmers, labourers, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.
Kadu has built his political identity through sustained agitation on issues such as farm loan waivers and welfare measures for disadvantaged communities. His protests have, at times, drawn attention from the state government and influenced policy decisions.
Speaking at the event, Shinde underlined the ideological compatibility between Kadu's activism and the party's stated commitment to addressing public grievances. He emphasised that empowering grassroots leaders within formal political structures could help translate social demands into policy decisions more effectively.
The timing of the announcement, just two hours before the nomination deadline, added an element of surprise. Observers noted that the delay in revealing the second candidate reflected a calculated political strategy, reinforcing Shinde's reputation for making last-minute but decisive moves.
The selection of Gorhe alongside Kadu suggests an attempt to balance experience with grassroots representation. Gorhe, a seasoned legislator, has been actively involved in raising issues related to women's rights and governance in the Legislative Council. Her renomination signals continuity and organisational stability within the party.
Meanwhile, Kadu's inclusion represents a shift toward integrating activist voices into policymaking spaces. The development is being viewed as an experiment in bridging the gap between public agitation and legislative authority.
The move is likely to influence the dynamics of the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, drawing attention to candidate selection strategies and intra-party decision-making. It also reflects a broader trend of political parties seeking to expand their base by incorporating leaders with strong grassroots connections.
Senior party leaders, including Uday Samant and Murji Patel, were present at the event along with party workers and supporters. The gathering also saw participation from members of Prahar Sanghatana and several citizens from marginalised sections.
Overall, Kadu's entry into Shiv Sena marks a notable shift in Maharashtra's political landscape, highlighting an evolving approach that seeks to combine activism with institutional power.
