In a significant political development, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the induction of Bacchu Kadu into Shiv Sena and named him as a candidate for the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Former Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe was also declared a candidate. The announcement, made just hours before the nomination deadline, triggered intense discussion across political circles.

The decision is being seen as a departure from conventional political practices, particularly the tendency to keep protest leaders at a distance from formal power structures. By nominating Kadu, known for his grassroots activism, the leadership appears to be attempting to bring representatives of social movements directly into governance.