Maharashtra civic polls: Six NCP-SP corporators join Shiv Sena

THANE: As many as six former corporators from the NCP-SP faction in the Kalwa Parsik area switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena on Thursday.

The corporators — including former Leader of Opposition Milind Patil, Manali Patil, Mahesh Salvi, Aparna Salvi, Manisha Salvi, Surekha Patil, and Sachin Mhatre — joined the party in Mumbai in the presence of Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, MP Naresh Mhaske, and Party Secretary Ram Repale.

The Sena stated that the induction of these six former corporators, who were close associates of NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, will strengthen the party’s position in the suburb ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Observers noted that the inductions could potentially impact the NCP-SP group’s prospects, especially in the Kalwa ward, which includes the Parsik area — previously considered its stronghold.

Currently, over 78 corporators from various parties in the Thane Municipal Corporation area have already aligned themselves with the Sena, officials said.

The Kalwa suburb falls under Awhad’s assembly constituency and is also part of the Kalyan parliamentary seat, currently represented by Sena’s Shrikant Shinde.

“Shiv Sena does not work only during elections. Our commitment is continuous, throughout the year, which has inspired workers from other parties to place their trust in Shinde’s leadership and join our movement,” the party stated.