Speaking to reporters, Santosh Dhuri claimed that the MNS was given only those wards where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced difficulties in winning. He said that in Marathi-speaking areas such as Mahim, Dadar, Sewri, Worli and Bhandup, the MNS had demanded at least two wards but received only one
MNS leader Santosh Dhuri on Tuesday joined the BJP on Tuesday. Representational Pic/File
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Santosh Dhuri on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the Raj Thackeray-led party of ignoring its loyal workers during seat-sharing for the upcoming BMC Election 2026.
Dhuri said that he was a strong aspirant for the MNS ticket from Ward No. 194 in the Mahim Assembly constituency.
However, the seat was allotted to Shiv Sena (UBT) as part of the alliance between the two parties for the January 15 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam formally welcomed Dhuri into the party.
MNS given those wards where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced difficulties
Speaking to reporters, Dhuri claimed that the MNS was given only those wards where Shiv Sena (UBT) faced difficulties in winning. He said that in Marathi-speaking areas such as Mahim, Dadar, Sewri, Worli and Bhandup, the MNS had demanded at least two wards but received only one, according to the PTI.
Dhuri also alleged that senior MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande was not involved in the seat-sharing discussions.
He further criticised the alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming that MNS workers had earlier faced police cases and political pressure during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. “Six corporators were taken from us after the 2017 civic elections, yet we ignored it,” Dhuri said, as per the PTI.
Accusing Raj Thackeray of compromising the party’s independence, Dhuri said the MNS had been 'surrendered' to Shiv Sena (UBT).
Rane contacted Dhuri
Dhuri added that BJP minister Nitesh Rane contacted him and arranged a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following which he decided to join the BJP, the news agency reported.
Former MNS MLA Nitin Bhosale joins Shiv Sena along with other leaders
With the Maharashtra civic polls 2026 just around the corner, Nashik on Tuesday witnessed a significant political development as former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) MLA Nitin Bhosale officially joined the Shiv Sena. Nitin Bhosale was accompanied by a large number of supporters while joining the Shiv Sena.
Bhosale was formally inducted into the party by taking the saffron flag, marking a major boost for Shiv Sena’s organisational strength in the Nashik district. MLA Nitin Bhosale’s entry to the Shiv Sena is being seen as politically important ahead of the upcoming civic and local body elections in the region.
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(with PTI inputs)
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