Shinde Sena expands footprint in BJP stronghold with Bachchu Kadu’s entry

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde welcomes Bachchu Kadu to the party

Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena appears to be slowly expanding its space by supporting leaders who question the BJP, even as both remain part of the same government in Maharashtra. In that context, the inducting chief of the Prahar Janshakti Paksh, Bachchu Kadu, assumes significance.

A known rival of the Rana couple, Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana, in Amravati, both of whom are seen as close to the BJP, Kadu's entry into the Shinde camp adds a new layer to the region's political dynamic. His presence is likely to sharpen local rivalries while simultaneously boosting the Sena's organisational strength in Vidarbha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are in alliance in Maharashtra under the Mahayuti coalition.

Kadu joins Sena

Bachchu Kadu filed his nomination for the Legislative Council polls

Kadu joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Thursday in the presence of party head and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai and was immediately declared its candidate for the May 12 elections to the Legislative Council, indicating that the move was both swift and strategically planned. As chief of the Prahar outfit, Kadu commands considerable influence, particularly in rural and agrarian belts. This could help the Sena deepen its reach beyond urban pockets and strengthen its presence in rural Maharashtra.

Rana reacts

Reacting to the development, Ravi Rana claimed that Eknath Shinde had earlier offered him an opportunity to join his party. "I will always remain with Devendra Fadnavis," Rana said while speaking to the media, in what appears to be a clear signal that Shinde may be attempting to expand his base, even if it means unsettling equations within the alliance.

Challenge to the BJP

Upon his entry into the Shinde camp, Kadu signalled an assertive political stance that could be seen as a challenge to the BJP, which currently has Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the helm. Striking an ambitious note, Kadu said, "I will work to take the Shiv Sena to every corner and expand the party's base, to see Eknath Shinde as chief minister," underlining his intent to strengthen the Sena's position within the ruling alliance.

MLC seats

With no additional candidates filing nominations, the nine MLC seats are set to be filled unopposed, as tenures of Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and eight others end in May. As per seat-sharing arrangement, BJP has fielded Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Sunil Karjatkar, Vivek Kolhe, and Pramod Jathar. The Shinde Sena has nominated Neelam Gorhe and Kadu, while Sena (UBT) has fielded Ambadas Danve. Ajit Pawar's NCP has fielded Zeeshan Siddique.

May 12
Day MLC elections will be held