Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 8: In a significant political setback for Sharad Pawar’s NCP(SP), seven former corporators from the Thane Municipal Corporation joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Thursday, intensifying the political heat ahead of the civic body elections.

The switch took place in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, just days after the Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra government to complete municipal elections within four months.

The defectors — hailing from Kalwa, Kharegaon, and Vitawa in the Kalyan-Dombivli constituency represented by Shinde’s son, MP Shrikant Shinde — dealt a direct blow to NCP(SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad, a key Sharad Pawar aide and legislator from Kalwa-Mumbra.

Among the new Shiv Sena members are former TMC Opposition Leader Milind Patil, Manali Patil, Mahesh Salvi, Manisha Salvi, Surekha Patil (ex-corporator and women’s wing leader), Sachin Mhatre, Pramila Keni, and youth leader Mandar Keni. They formally joined by accepting the party's saffron flag and bow-arrow symbol.

With a daily influx of workers and leaders into its fold, Shiv Sena claims growing momentum in Thane, a region once dominated by late party stalwart Anand Dighe. Currently, 78 former TMC corporators are affiliated with the party.

"Shiv Sena operates year-round — not just during elections. That consistency under Eknath Shinde’s leadership is what draws others to our fold," the party stated.