In another setback for Shiv Sena (UBT), former MLA Nirmala Gavit joins Shinde Sena

The induction is considered significant due to the upcoming civic body polls in all 29 municipal corporations and several zilla parishads in the state.

“Our leader has changed, but the party, Shiv Sena, remains the same,” Gavit said after joining the party. Shinde welcomed the new members and said, “This is not just a party-joining ceremony; this is a homecoming.”

“Today’s event is being held in Thane, the land of Dharamveer Anand Dighe. His teachings and Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy continue to guide us. Power and positions are temporary, but once a name is lost, it is difficult to regain. We are committed to upholding that legacy,” said Shinde.

He also said the mass defection was a recognition of the Mahayuti government’s performance, stating that those joining were motivated by a desire to serve the people.

Shinde urged party workers to begin preparations for the upcoming civic elections, asserting that all promises made by the Mahayuti alliance during the Assembly elections will be fulfilled in a phased and systematic manner.

He assured that key welfare initiatives, such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Ladka Bhau Yojana, and various farmer-centric schemes, will continue without disruption.

“The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched during my tenure as chief minister, will never be discontinued,” he declared. “Those who once opposed this scheme were decisively rejected by our sisters during the elections. Now, out of frustration, they are making baseless allegations.”

“Our achievements over the past two and a half years, especially in improving the lives of farmers, empowering youth, and uplifting women, have earned us the people’s trust. The contribution of our sisters is especially invaluable,” he said.

Shinde called on workers to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence. “Let us hoist the saffron flag of Mahayuti in every village. There should be a Shiv Sena presence in every household,” he urged.

In March, former Dapoli MLA Sanjay Kadam, former Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar MLA Bhausaheb Patil Chikatgaonkar, and the three former corporators — Umesh Patil (Bhandup), Anjali Naik (Chembur), and Lochana Chavan (Goregaon) — joined the Shinde Sena from Sena (UBT). Later, in April, Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjana Ghadi and Sanjay Ghadi also switched allegiance from Sena (UBT) to the Shinde Sena.