Thane

The BJP has announced its candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Thane, disregarding strong objections from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Thane is the home district of Chief Minister Shinde and has 18 Assembly constituencies. The BJP has nominated Sulabha Gaikwad, wife of jailed party legislator Ganpat Gaikwad, along with Sanjay Kelkar from Thane, Ganesh Naik from Airoli, and Kisan Kathore from Murbad. This decision aims to signal to the Shinde faction that the BJP is serious about consolidating its influence in Thane.

Despite Shinde’s influence, the BJP reaffirmed its commitment to its candidates, including Ganesh Naik, even with internal dissent. The BJP’s strategy reflects a desire to maintain power, especially as it won eight seats out of 18 in the 2019 elections. The Shinde faction is also pressured as they need to face the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s nominee, Raju Patil, in Kalyan Rural. Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP is expected to contest several seats in the Thane district. By choosing to stick with their current candidates, the BJP aims to strengthen its position in this competitive political landscape.