Kalyan : In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Shiv Sena leader Dipesh Pundlik Mhatre, former chairman of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) standing committee, has left the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to join Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). Mhatre, along with six other former KDMC corporators and his supporters, formally joined the Thackeray-led faction on Sunday at an event held at Thackeray’s residence, ‘Matoshree,’ in Mumbai.
Welcoming Mhatre and his group, Uddhav Thackeray praised the move as a “milestone” for Shiv Sena, expressing optimism about building a stronger presence in Dombivli. “Maharashtra needs young, dynamic leaders who can bring fresh ideas to tackle challenges such as education, employment, and sustainable development,” Thackeray said, highlighting the importance of youth leadership in shaping the state’s future.
Mhatre, a former Yuva Sena office-bearer, described the shift as a “matter of pride” and expressed his commitment to working under Thackeray’s leadership. “We believe in the ideology of Shiv Sena and will work proactively to restore the honor of Dombivli,” Mhatre added.
This political realignment comes after the 2022 split in Shiv Sena, which saw Shinde and several MLAs break away, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government. Elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are expected to be held next month.