SAI Party Throws Weight Behind Shiv Sena in Ulhasnagar's Panel 5
A major political shift occurred in Ulhasnagar on Tuesday. This happened on the last day of election campaigning for the municipal polls. SAI Party candidate Sunil Gangwani from Panel No. 5 publicly declared his support for Shiv Sena candidate Vicky Bhullar.
Strategic Move to Prevent Vote Division
Gangwani made this announcement during a press conference in the afternoon. He urged his own supporters to vote for Bhullar. This decision came directly from the SAI Party leadership. They acted on instructions from Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde.
Political experts had expressed concern earlier. They feared Gangwani's presence in the race could split the vote. This split might have benefited the BJP candidate. The SAI Party is a local ally of Shiv Sena. Their strategic withdrawal aims to prevent that scenario.
High-Profile Contest in Panel No. 5
Panel No. 5 in Ulhasnagar has become a focal point of these elections. It includes four municipal wards. The contest is widely seen as a direct fight between two powerful political families.
On one side is Seema Kalani. She is the daughter of former MLA Pappu Kalani. On the other side is Meena Ailani. She is the wife of BJP MLA Kumar Ailani. This makes the battle intensely personal and politically significant.
Bhullar Maharaj's Prestige at Stake
The election carries extra weight for Shiv Sena. Senior leader Bhullar Maharaj has thrown his support behind Seema Kalani. His son, Vicky Bhullar, is also contesting from this very panel. Therefore, the outcome is not just about the Kalani and Ailani camps. It is also a test of Bhullar Maharaj's influence in Ulhasnagar.
Vicky Bhullar's candidacy adds another layer to this complex political puzzle. His father's backing for Kalani creates a united front against the BJP's Ailani.
Consolidating the Alliance Vote
Sunil Gangwani's decision to step back is a calculated move. It is designed to unite anti-BJP votes behind the Shiv Sena-led alliance. By asking his supporters to vote for Vicky Bhullar, he hopes to consolidate their strength.
This development could significantly alter the dynamics in Panel No. 5. It strengthens the prospects of the Shiv Sena candidates in a race that is expected to be very close. The final results will now show if this last-minute alliance tactic proves successful.
