04 June,2026 09:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Speaking on the occasion, Shrikant Shinde said that Mumbarkar’s 38 years of administrative experience would benefit the party. Pic/X
As many as seven former corporators along with around 80 office-bearers from the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT), and hundreds of supporters, have joined the Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led faction, officials said, reported the PTI.
The development is being seen as a setback for both the BJP and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Kalyan-Dombivli region.
The leaders formally joined the Shiv Sena on Wednesday in the presence of Kalyan Member of Parliament Shrikant Shinde.
The event saw a large number of political workers switching sides, strengthening the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's presence in the region, according to the PTI.
Among those who joined the party were two BJP corporator couples - Shrikar Chaudhari and Pramila Chaudhari, and Shailesh Dhatrak and Manisha Dhatrak.
All four had previously represented civic wards in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Their exit is being viewed as a setback for the BJP's local organisational strength.
Retired Assistant Commissioner of KDMC, Hema Mumbarkar, along with her family and supporters, also joined the Shiv Sena, as per the PTI.
Speaking on the occasion, Shrikant Shinde said that Mumbarkar's 38 years of administrative experience would benefit the party.
Senior leaders welcomed the new entrants into the party and extended their best wishes for their political and social journey.
Party leaders said the growing number of inductions reflects increasing public support for the Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli region.
In another major shift, Yuva Sena leaders Yogendra Bhoir and Twinkle Bhoir, along with around 200 local office-bearers from the Shiv Sena (UBT), joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
These leaders were active in Dombivli, Kalyan and Ambarnath regions, further strengthening the party's base in the Thane district.
The mass induction is being seen as an important organisational gain for the Shinde's Shiv Sena, while also marking a setback for opposition parties in the region.
Party leaders claimed that the joining of experienced corporators and grassroots workers will strengthen their political network ahead of future civic and state-level elections.
