26 December,2025 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prakash Mahajan`s induction into the Shiv Sena took place at the party’s headquarters. Pic/Eknath Shinde`s office
Former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Prakash Mahajan on Friday joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, just two weeks before the BMC Elections 2026, reported the PTI.
Mahajan is the brother of late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan and had been associated with the Raj Thackeray-led MNS since its formation in 2006.
Mahajan had quit the MNS earlier this year, citing differences with the party leadership. His induction into the Shiv Sena took place at the party's headquarters in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Speaking to reporters after joining the party, Mahajan said he had not sought any post or election ticket.
He said his decision was motivated by the desire to strengthen Hindutva and uphold the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, as per the PTI.
Welcoming Mahajan into the party, Eknath Shinde praised his dignity and composure in public life.
Shinde said that Mahajan had always been a 'Shiv Sainik at heart' and someone who understands and connects with the struggles of ordinary people.
Shinde announced that Mahajan will serve as a Shiv Sena spokesperson and will play an active role in strengthening the party organisation ahead of the civic polls.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will be held on 15 January, with vote counting scheduled for the following day.
Ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, several leaders from the MNS and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Nashik district on Thursday, reported the PTI.
The development comes as political activity intensifies in the city ahead of the Nashik Municipal Corporation elections.
Those who joined the BJP include former MNS MLA Nitin Bhosale and former Shiv Sena (UBT) mayor Vinayak Pande.
Also joining the party were Yatin Wagh, who served as the first mayor from the MNS, and Congress leaders Shahu Khaire and Sanjay Chavan, as per the PTI.
A surprise entry was that of Dinkar Patil, the state general secretary of the MNS. Just a day earlier, he had taken part in celebrations marking the alliance between the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Patil joined the BJP along with his son and his wife Lata Patil, a former corporator. They were welcomed into the party in the presence of BJP minister Girish Mahajan.
(with PTI inputs)
