Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 30: Former MLA and Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachchu Kadu officially joined the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde on Thursday and has been named as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Legislative Council (MLC) elections. His move comes a day after he ????? that he was open to discussions regarding a possible merger of his party with the Sena.

Kadu stated that his decision followed the acceptance of all key conditions he had placed before joining. He emphasised that issues such as revising the minimum support price for farmers, addressing concerns of widowed women, and strengthening welfare mechanisms for persons with disabilities were central to his decision. He said he would remain committed to working honestly within the party, while ensuring that the interests of farmers and the ???????? community are not compromised. He also expressed hope that a dedicated ministry for persons with disabilities would be further strengthened under Shinde’s leadership.

Kadu, who lost the 2024 Assembly election from Achalpur, had earlier been appointed in 2023 as chairperson of the state-level committee of the Divyang Welfare Department with cabinet rank. However, he resigned from the position in January 2025, citing a lack of meaningful progress in policies aimed at the welfare and overall development of persons with disabilities.

He had previously supported Shinde during the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena and was among the independent MLAs who travelled to Guwahati with the rebel faction. Before that, he served as a Minister of State in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Outlining his future plans, Kadu said that while political activities would now align with the Shiv Sena, his social initiatives would continue independently. He clarified that the Prahar Social Organization and Prahar Divyang Organization would remain active in Maharashtra, focusing on social work. Those interested in politics would work within the Sena, while others would continue contributing through these organisations. He reiterated that his commitment would remain equally strong toward the party as well as toward farmers, labourers, and persons with disabilities.