In a surprising revelation, former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale on Monday claimed that 15 MLAs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and 10 Congress MLAs are eager to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He criticised the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, describing it as a coalition driven by selfishness and a hunger for power. “Rifts emerge in the MVA when power and self-interests are not satisfied, and now some party leaders appear desperate to sustain their relevance,” Shewale remarked.
Shewale’s statement came in response to recent remarks by UBT MP Sanjay Raut and Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, who said that the BJP might sideline Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and hinted that Uday Samant, Minister of Industry, could join the BJP along with some Shiv Sena MLAs.
Refuting the claims, Shewale said, “UBT leaders should focus on the future of their own party rather than making statements about Samant.”
Shewale highlighted that in June 2022, Shinde made a historic decision to carry forward the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray. Under Shinde’s leadership, Shiv Sena secured seven Lok Sabha seats and 57 Assembly seats.
Speaking about the upcoming municipal elections, Shewale emphasised Shiv Sena’s emotional bond with the BMC. “Shiv Sena will hoist its saffron flag over the BMC. Preparations for this will involve branch-level meetings across Mumbai from January 24-30,” he said.
He added that the Shiv Sena’s membership drive will take place from January 23 to February 9.
Meanwhile, the women beneficiaries of the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme will organise a felicitation programme to honour Shinde at the BKC on January 23. The event marks the birth anniversary of Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray.
The programme will feature women supporters honouring Shinde and other Shiv Sena ministers. The event will also include musical performances by renowned singers Sonu Nigam and Avdhoot Gupte.
