Daijiworld Media Network - Dharashiv

Dharashiv, Sep 13: The Congress suffered a major setback in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district after its former Paranda taluka president, advocate Hanumant Waghmode, joined the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with hundreds of party office-bearers and workers.

Waghmode joined the Shiv Sena expressing confidence in the leadership of Shinde and the development-oriented approach of former Maharashtra health minister and Paranda-Bhum-Washi MLA Prof Dr Tanajirao Sawant. The development is being seen as a significant political setback for the Congress in Paranda and is likely to alter the political equations in the taluka.

The latest development comes amid increased political activity in Maharashtra. Waghmode and his supporters said they had decided to join the Shiv Sena after placing their trust in Shinde’s leadership, which they described as inclusive and focused on development.

The Shiv Sena has claimed that a significant section of the Congress organisation at the taluka level has now joined its ranks. Party workers said the induction would strengthen the Shiv Sena organisation at the grassroots level across Paranda.

Among those who joined the Shiv Sena were Paranda Taluka Congress Committee vice-president Uttreshwar Thaware, treasurer Laxman Kharatode, taluka general secretary Narayan Sable of Domgaon, Pashuram Chobe, taluka secretary Sandip Thaware, Yunus Sheikh of Kandalgaon, Dadasaheb Aldar, Dattatray Khandaker, Legal Cell taluka president Avdhoot Patil, Minority Cell taluka president Anwar Sheikh, OBC Cell taluka president Mahavir Itape, Seva Dal taluka president Balaji Gaware and Bhairavnath Yadav.

Congress workers from several villages, including Dhagpimpri, Domgaon, Pimpalwadi, Wakdi, Wadner, Mugav, Donja, Wagegawhan, Shirala and Hingangaon, also joined the Shiv Sena in large numbers.

The newly inducted office-bearers and workers were welcomed into the Shiv Sena fold by leaders present at the programme by draping saffron stoles around them.

Waghmode’s move is being viewed locally as more than an individual defection, given his former position as Congress taluka president and the participation of several office-bearers and workers from across Paranda.

Recent reports have also highlighted Shinde’s continuing political activity, including his London visit, as the Maharashtra government and ruling alliance prepare for upcoming political challenges.