Raj Sena: First day,first show

Represents Bhandup. The MNS general secretary had a long association with the Shiv Sena before joining the MNS in 2006. As a Shiv Sena candidate,he was elected the corporator from Mulund in 1992 and nominated to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1996. Best known for digging up the Wankhede pitch in 1991 before the Pak cricket teams visit,he contested this years LS polls on an MNS ticket. He lost but the 1.94 lakh votes he got ensured the defeat of the BJP candidate. He is also the spokesperson for the party.

RAMESH WANJALE

Represents Khadakwasla in Pune. Known for the two kg of gold that he wears,Wanjale was associated with the Congress till the Assembly elections. Denied a ticket by the Congress despite his wife being a corporator,Wanjale switched to MNS and was elected to the House. He is the only MNS MLA from Pune district. While with the Congress,he first tasted electoral success when he was elected as sarpanch of Ahire gram panchayat. He was also elected deputy chairman of the panchayat samiti.

RAM KADAM

Represents Ghatkopar (West). Known as Rahul Mahajans friend from school days in Mumbais political circles,he is today being considered a giant killer. Kadam,who fell out with the Mahajan family and joined the MNS before the Assembly elections,defeated Rahuls sister,Poonam,in Ghatkopar (West) constituency. A social worker,Kadam was not politically active prior to his entry into the MNS. This year,he made headlines in local media by organising a Rs 25-lakh dahi handi at Ghatkopar.

VASANT GITE

Represents Nashik. A former Shiv Sainik,he was among the first leaders to quit the party and join the MNS. Gite,the party general secretary who has a stronghold over the Nashik region,played a prominent role during the MNSs agitation against migrants. In 1986,Gite opened the Shiv Senas branch in Nashik and won the Nashik Municipal Corporation polls in 1992 and 1997. In 1997,he became the Mayor of Nashik. Then he fought Maharashtra Legislative Council polls,but was defeated.