Shiv Sena (UBT) workers join Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Thane

Pic/Eknath Shinde`s Office

A large number of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers on Tuesday joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his presence.

Speaking at the function held at Anand Ashram in Thane city, Shinde said Thane remains the stronghold of his party.

He accused Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena of misusing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for personal and political gains. "They ignored critical civic work and the needs of citizens. People suffered while the previous regime was focused on self-serving agendas. That is why a growing number of their leaders are walking away to join us," he said.

Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will extend its dominance from the state Assembly to municipal corporations across Maharashtra. He credited public support to the developmental work carried out by the coalition government over the past two and a half years, saying that people are standing with those who fulfil their promises.

"The saffron flag of Mahayuti has already been raised over the Assembly. It will now soon fly proudly over municipal corporations as well," Shinde declared confidently.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a major setback in Thane as key office bearers from Naupada joined Shiv Sena in a significant show of support. Those who joined included Pritam Rajput (Upvibhag Pramukh), Rajesh Pawar (Upvibhag Pramukh), Sudhir Thakur (Gat Pramukh), Dinesh Chikne (Shakha Pramukh), and 20 other local leaders. The induction ceremony took place at Anand Ashram, attended by Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske and former Mayor Meenakshi Shinde.

Deputy CM Shinde emphasised Thane's identity as a Shiv Sena stronghold shaped by the legacy of Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. "All 72 corporators of the Thane Municipal Corporation are with Shiv Sena. Every day, hundreds of workers from various talukas in Thane district are joining us," he stated.

Referring to the party's legal and political battle over its identity, Shinde said, "We raised our voices to reclaim the true Shiv Sena and its symbol - the bow and arrow - which had been dragged along by the Congress. So far, 70 corporators from Mumbai have joined us. This clearly shows who the real Shiv Sena is."

He added, "We don't work only during elections. Shiv Sena works 365 days a year - that's what sets us apart from the UBT group."