Shinde Sena jolt in Karjat as industrialist Ganesh Munde joins Shiv Sena (UBT) with supporters

The Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena has suffered a major setback in the Venegaon area of Karjat. Ganesh Munde, a well-known industrialist and son-in-law of Shinde faction deputy district chief Bhai Gaikar, openly joined the Shiv Sena (UBT) along with a large number of his workers.

After joining, Munde said, "We have returned home to strengthen the hands of party chief Uddhav Thackeray." He said he wanted to work honestly in keeping with the outlook of Shiv Sainiks and would strive with full strength to expand the party in the coming days. Deputy leader Baban Patil welcomed all the new entrants and assured them they would be given full respect in the party.

The event was held in the auditorium of the Shiv Sena (UBT) office, Shivalay, where a review meeting and the party induction ceremony took place together. Those present on the stage and in the hall included deputy leader Baban Patil, Maval liaison chief Prasad Bhoir, district chief and former MLA Manohar Bhoir, deputy district chief Nitin Sawant, district women's wing chief Suvarna Joshi, Zilla Parishad member Sunita More and deputy chairperson Chitra Thackeray, along with many senior office-bearers and workers.

Deputy district chief Nitin Sawant sharply criticised the ruling side over the Torrent project. He said, "These days MLAs have developed a bit too much love for the Shiv Sena. But when they danced in Goa, not on tables but on the hearts of Shiv Sainiks, they did not remember the Shiv Sainiks. We cannot forget this. The Torrent project is being opposed by every section. Lakhs of trees will be cut for this project and the taluka will be laid waste."

Sawant also targeted the ruling side on the 50-50 issue. According to him, the sound of "fifty-fifty" was heard in between, but the UBT is not part of it. He said a loyal Shiv Sainik will never be managed and that "we will show our strength". Sawant said the arrival of Munde and his associates would certainly add to the party's strength. He announced that key workers from various gram panchayats would join the party in future, and that a large convention would be held after Diwali.

Deputy leader Baban Patil said, "Shiv Sena is a fathomless sea; a few people leaving makes no difference. Those who are feeling regret should return home as soon as possible." He also announced that a sharp fight would be launched against the Torrent project under the leadership of Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray. Patil said, "Intent spares no one. Those whom we raised and who left will be in a bad state. Shiv Sainiks should not worry, the golden days of the Shiv Sena are coming soon, and we will take to the streets with full force against the Torrent project."

Manohar Bhoir expressed confidence that Shiv Sena MLAs would win from Karjat, Panvel and Pen in the coming election. Prasad Bhoir said the Shiv Sena is a party of ideas, and so everyone should set aside mutual differences and unite.