Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare questions BJP's 'Namo Thane' banners; slams Shinde

Rajan Vichare pointed out that the posters do not feature images of Balasaheb Thackeray or Anand Dighe. File Pic/X

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly put up posters with the slogans ‘Namo Bharat, Namo Thane' for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, prompting criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, reported the PTI.

Addressing a press conference, Vichare said that the BJP lacks a local candidate for Thane and is relying solely on the central leadership.

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Thane stronghold of Shiv Sena

Vichare stated that Thane has long been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, with citizens following the ideology of Bal Thackeray and Anand Dighe. He questioned the BJP's approach, stating:

"The BJP remembers Thane only when elections are near. If the party truly believes in development, it should highlight its work rather than mislead people with slogans centred on the Namo banner," according to the PTI.

He added that for over 30 years, Shiv Sena has maintained a deep connection with Thane, reflected in the slogan: ‘Shiv Sena's Thane and Thane's Shiv Sena'.

Posters do not feature images of Balasaheb Thackeray: Vichare

Vichare also pointed out that the BJP posters do not feature images of Balasaheb Thackeray or Anand Dighe, the latter of whom is considered a mentor by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

"The Thane Municipal Corporation polls will be fought on the Thackeray brand, not the Namo brand. Voters are aware of the city's issues and will respond accordingly," he said, as per the PTI.

NCP (SP) Mumbai chief Rakhi Jadhav joins BJP

Meanwhile, in a setback to the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP), its Mumbai unit president Rakhi Jadhav on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, the PTI reported.

Jadhav formally entered the BJP in the presence of MLA Parag Shah, and is likely to contest on the ruling party's ticket from Ghatkopar.

The move has dealt a blow to the NCP (SP) at a time when discussions were underway over its possible electoral understanding in Mumbai.

Political circles had been abuzz over the alliance options before the NCP (SP) in the civic polls, with the Uddhav Thackeray-Raj Thackeray combine and the Congress being the two possibilities, the news agency reported.

However, even as talks on an alliance were on, the BJP inducted Jadhav, widening the cracks in the party during the election season.

During the split in the NCP in July 2023, Jadhav had chosen to stay with the NCP (SP).

(with PTI inputs)