In a significant political development, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has secured a symbolic victory in the Thane civic polls. The party won the ward where Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resides. This area has long been considered his political stronghold.
Vote Count Details
Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Shahaji Khusphe emerged victorious in Ward 13A of the Thane Municipal Corporation. Khusphe polled 12,860 votes. His opponent, Shiv Sena nominee and former mayor Ashok Vaiti, secured 12,193 votes. The margin of victory stands at 667 votes.
Political Significance of the Result
This result carries considerable political weight. Thane has traditionally served as the core base for the Shiv Sena. The legacy of Bal Thackeray and the late Anand Dighe shaped this stronghold. Eknath Shinde himself later reinforced it.
After the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, almost the entire party organization in Thane shifted allegiance. Most shakhas and corporators joined Shinde's faction. This made Thane a prestige battle for both the ruling side and the Sena UBT.
Broader Context of the Polls
While the Sena UBT trails in the overall race to win the Thane Municipal Corporation, this specific win has drawn widespread attention. Ward 13 of Thane contains four seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won three of them. However, the Sena UBT's victory in the most high-profile contest sends a clear message.
The outcome indicates that voter support has not completely shifted with the party's organizational control. The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction retains pockets of support. This is evident even in areas closely identified with Eknath Shinde.
The result underscores the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra. It highlights the complex voter sentiments following the party split. The battle for influence continues at the grassroots level.
