Pune: Major Political Jolt For Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena: Ex MLA Mahadev Babar Likely To Join Shinde’s Shiv Sena
Pune: Major Political Jolt For Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena: Ex MLA Mahadev Babar Likely To Join Shinde’s Shiv Sena
Following the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is witnessing a wave of defections. With local body elections on the horizon, many leaders across the state are shifting allegiances to the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and NCP.
Recently, five municipal corporators from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction joined the BJP in Pune. Now, former Shiv Sena MLA Mahadev Babar, along with his son and 25 former corporators, is set to join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. In a surprising twist, former Congress MLA from Kasba Peth, Ravindra Dhangekar, is also rumored to be heading towards Shinde’s camp.
A few days ago, after five Shiv Sena corporators switched to the BJP, Nana Bhangire hinted that more leaders from Thackeray’s camp were in discussions with them. While some leaders chose not to join the BJP, they opted to switch to Shinde’s faction instead. Former MLA Mahadev Babar has made his decision to align with Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and he has even met with the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Dhangekar’s potential move has raised eyebrows, as he was instrumental in defeating the BJP in the Kasba Peth by-election. Despite losing both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, no one expected him to leave Congress. However, speculation is growing that he is considering his next political step, especially after his meeting with Eknath Shinde.
On the other hand, Mahadev Babar had initially sought a ticket to contest the Assembly elections from Hadapsar. However, since the seat was given to Sharad Pawar’s NCP, where NCP leader Prashant Jagtap contested and lost, Babar was reportedly upset. This dissatisfaction is said to be a major reason behind his decision to join Shinde’s camp along with his supporters.
