Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction, reeling from the Assembly elections debacle, is reportedly setting its sights on the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. But, posing a headache to its leadership is the apparent attempt by certain leaders to jump ship to Mahayuti allies.
A senior Uddhav Sena leader from Nashik reportedly met BJP minister Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, expressing interest in joining the BJP, according to local media reports. This comes amid claims by Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule that many legislators from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are reportedly in touch with them to switch factions. He added that many MLAs were discontent as they felt neglected and unsupported.
The leader, who local reports didn't name, arrived at Mahajan's residence to congratulate him on his election and ministerial post. While doing so, the office bearer expressed readiness to work under him. While Mahajan was not averse to the idea, the local MLAs and regional-level leaders were vehemently against the move, which ruined the Nashik leader's plan.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena is leaving no stone to recapture the BMC. The party is organising meetings of party leaders, where many voiced their concerns about aligning with the Congress and the NCP. Assembly-wise meetings are being planned from Thursday. The party has also flagged off Shiv Survekshan Yatra.
Meanwhile, reports are that the party is seriously considering going alone in the local body elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday hinted that a decision in this regard will be taken by the party chief. He said many party workers were demanding to contest the elections alone, stating that the party had earlier too contested the polls on its own.
He quickly added that the decision did not mean that the Maha Vikas Aghadi is broken, adding that even when the undivided Shiv Sena was in alliance with the BJP, they used to contest alone in BMC and other local elections.
