5 Navi Mumbai ex-corporators join Shiv Sena; move seen as a blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) & Congress | Mumbai News
Navi Mumbai: Ahead of civic polls, the Shiv Sena received a significant boost in Navi Mumbai with the induction of five former corporators into its ranks. The move comes just ahead of the civic elections, and is seen as a setback for the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction and the Congress party. The defectors include four-time Airoli corporator Manohar Krishna Madhvi, his wife Vinaya, his son Karan, and former Congress corporators Poonam Patil and Amit Patil.Their official induction took place in Thane on Tuesday night, in a ceremony presided over by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The timing of their switch follows the enforcement of the election code of conduct for the Navi Mumbai civic body, coming after a delay of more than 5 years since the last polls. This development is expected to consolidate the position of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Navi Mumbai, especially against forest minister Ganesh Naik.Naik, who represents the BJP within the Mahayuti alliance, now faces a stronger challenge from the Shinde camp. Political observers said Shinde’s support for Madhvi could help create an alternative power centre in Airoli, challenging the influence of Navi Mumbai Sena chief Vijay Chougule. Manohar Madhvi, who contested the last assembly election from Airoli on an UBT ticket and lost to Naik, said his family decided to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena as UBT appeared to be losing ground in Navi Mumbai.He said while he maintained cordial relations with Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, the recent exodus of leaders from UBT and the growing influence of the Shinde-led Sena prompted the switch. Sources indicate that the Naik camp had also been in touch with Madhvi to bring him into the BJP fold, but he ultimately chose the Shiv Sena. With this realignment, the upcoming civic elections in Navi Mumbai, particularly in the Airoli segment, are expected to see a direct and tough contest between the Sena and the BJP.
