Thane Shiv Sena leader joins Thackeray's Sena (UBT) ahead of Maharashtra polls

Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections Shiv Sena leader Dipesh Pundlik Mhatre the former chairman of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporations KDMC standing committee has joined the Shiv Sena UBT led by Uddhav Thackeray reported news agency PTIFormer corporator Mhatre a Yuva Sena officebearer left the party headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joined the Shiv Sena UBT along with his supporters on Sunday in the presence of former CM Uddhav Thackeray reported PTISix other former KDMC corporators also joined the Thackerayled party along with MhatreKalyan and Dombivli are part of Thane district the political turf of CM ShindeWelcoming all of them into the Shiv Sena UBT at an event at Thackerays residence Matoshree in Mumbai the former CM said Today marks an important milestone in the history of Shiv Sena We will come together to create a strong voice for the residents of Dombivli reported PTIMaharashtra needs young dynamic leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges the state is facing Maharashtra has always thrived on the spirit of its young minds he said reported PTIThe city needs leaders who are not just visionaries but also actionoriented ready to tackle issues concerning education employment and sustainable development he saidIt is time for the youth to step forward and take their rightful place in shaping the destiny of Maharashtra Thackeray added reported PTIOn the occasion Dipesh Mhatre said it was a matter of pride for him and his supporters to work under the leadership of Uddhav ThackerayWe believe in the ideology of Shiv Sena Thackerays party and shall work more proactively I assure you that I will regain the honour of Dombivli he added reported PTIThe Maharashtra assembly elections to the 288member state assembly are likely to be held next monthIn June 2022 Shinde and several other MLAs rebelled against the Sena leadership leading to a split in the party and the collapse of the Thackerayled state governmentShinde later joined hands with the BJP to form a governmentMaharashtra CM Eknath Shinde dares Uddhav Thackeray to take him on not his sonMeanwhile Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday challenged Shiv Sena UBT chief and his former leader Uddhav Thackeray to face off with him instead of targeting his sonCM Shinde who heads the rival Shiv Sena was speaking at a public event in ThaneHe was referring to some remarks by Thackeray against his son Shrikant Shinde who represents the Kalyan Lok Sabha seat after inducting a Shiv Sena leader into the Sena UBT foldWhy criticise someones son Heres a challenge to take on his father instead They Thackeray are shattered within because of the response to my work and thats why they are making such comments said ShindeWith inputs from PTI