In Sena UBT, leaders seek tickets for kin, party says considering based on work
Sources said that around half a dozen such people have approached the party leadership for the tickets and the party may end up giving tickets to most of them.
Several leaders of Uddhav Thackeray-led party have begun lobbying for tickets for their family members, both in Mumbai and in other cities across the state. (File Photo)
A day after the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced a formal alliance for the
upcoming civic elections, several leaders of Uddhav Thackeray-led party have begun lobbying for tickets for their family members, both in Mumbai and in other cities across the state.
In Mumbai, relatives of senior Sena (UBT) leaders, including sitting MPs, MLAs and MLCs, have applied for tickets for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.
Sources said that around half a dozen such people have approached the party leadership for the tickets and the party may end up giving tickets to most of them.
Those seeking tickets include North East Mumbai MP Sanjay Dina Patil’s daughter Rajol Patil, MLA Sunil Prabhu’s son Ankit Prabhu, MLC Sachin Ahir’s daughter Aishwarya Ahir, MLA Ajay Chaudhary’s daughter-in-law Gauri, and Vinod Ghosalkar’s second daughter-in-law, Pooja.
Former Mumbai mayor Shraddha Jadhav’s son Pawan is also eyeing a ticket from Wadala, while former MLA Dagdu Sakpal’s daughter Reshma Sakpal is seeking a ticket from Sewri.
The push for tickets for family members is not limited to Mumbai. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, former Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve is seeking a ticket for his brother, party sources said. Former MP Chandrakant Khaire is also lobbying for a ticket for one of his relatives. Party leaders said similar demands have come up in other cities as well.
While the issue has raised questions about dynasty politics in the party, Sena UBT leaders said most of the aspirants have been working for the party for several years and are getting tickets because of their work in the party for almost a decade.
Story continues below this ad
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that Rajol Patil and Ankit Prabhu were active party workers since several years and the tickets are based on their work and not only because they are sons or daughters of some leaders.
“Their fathers may be leaders, but they are also working for the party. This happens in all parties,” Raut said, adding that dynasty politics was more common in the BJP.
Ankit Prabhu said he has worked for the party for 13 years and has been involved in several election campaigns and hence he is getting nominated.
“Local party office-bearers have demanded that I should be given the ticket from Goregaon’s ward number 54. I will follow the party’s decision. This is not dynasty politics. People have seen my work and hence they want me to work for them in future,”Ankit who is core member of Sena UBT’s youth wing Yuva Sena said.
Story continues below this ad
Meanwhile, party functionaries said talks on seat-sharing among alliance partners were underway and under the proposed formula, Sena (UBT) is likely to contest 130 to 140 seats in the BMC, MNS 65 to 70 seats and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on 10 to 12 seats.
Sena (UBT) has also agreed to give up 12 to 15 of its existing seats for MNS.
Party leaders said many of these seats are currently held by corporators who have joined the Shinde Sena.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More
