Daijiworld Media Network – Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai, Dec 18: In a significant political development ahead of the long-pending Navi Mumbai civic elections, the Shiv Sena received a major boost with the induction of five former corporators into the party. The move is being viewed as a setback to the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction as well as the Congress.
Those who joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena include four-time Airoli corporator Manohar Krishna Madhvi, his wife Vinaya Madhvi, son Karan Madhvi, and former Congress corporators Poonam Patil and Amit Patil. Their formal induction took place in Thane on Tuesday night in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The political switch comes close on the heels of the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, which are being held after a delay of over five years. The development is expected to strengthen the Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s position in Navi Mumbai and alter existing political equations in the region.
Political observers said the move could pose a challenge to Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who represents the BJP within the Mahayuti alliance. Shinde’s backing of Manohar Madhvi is also seen as an attempt to create an alternative power centre in Airoli, potentially challenging the influence of Navi Mumbai Sena chief Vijay Chougule.
Explaining his decision, Madhvi said his family chose to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena after sensing a decline in the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s influence in Navi Mumbai. He noted that although he continues to maintain cordial relations with Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, the steady exodus of leaders from the UBT camp and the growing strength of the Shinde faction prompted the move.
Madhvi, who had contested the last Assembly election from Airoli on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket and lost to Ganesh Naik, also revealed that the Naik camp had approached him to join the BJP. However, he ultimately decided to align with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
With this realignment, political analysts expect the upcoming Navi Mumbai civic polls, particularly in the Airoli segment, to witness a keen and direct contest between the Shiv Sena and the BJP.