Thane uproar forces Shiv Sena (Shinde) and BJP to rethink dynastic ticket distribution
Thane
After protests from party workers over multiple tickets being given to one family, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP have been forced to reconsider candidate selection in Thane.
Thane, November 29, 2025 – The alliance between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP has been pushed into a defensive position after widespread anger over the distribution of tickets for the upcoming local-body elections. Workers from both parties strongly objected to reports that six members of the same family were shortlisted for candidacies in one region. The backlash grew quickly, with cadres accusing senior leaders of encouraging dynasty-based politics while publicly claiming to stand against it.
Local leaders said the decision created immediate unrest among long-time workers who felt sidelined. Many pointed out that they had been active in party work for years, only to see entire slots offered to a single influential family. The criticism forced the alliance to step back and review the nominations before finalising its candidate list. For both Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP, the controversy arrived at a time when they hoped to build strong ground-level momentum ahead of municipal elections.
The issue has also highlighted a broader trend that has become visible across several districts: despite repeated claims of opposing nepotism, many candidates related to senior leaders have been fielded by major parties. In Thane, where political stakes are especially high, this pattern became a flashpoint. Workers who protested said the leadership must prioritise merit, local credibility and dedication over lineage. Some said openly that the party’s image is damaged when decisions appear to favour families instead of ordinary workers.
Following the backlash, discussions were held within the alliance to avoid repeating the same mistake. Insiders say the leadership may now try to offer a more diverse and balanced ticket list that reflects ground realities. The alliance is also expected to rely more heavily on block-level surveys, internal feedback and performance reports before finalising names.
For party workers, the sudden rise of the dynasty issue has also provided a rare moment to voice long-standing concerns. Many are demanding a transparent system of ticket distribution, with clearer criteria and less influence from powerful local groups. While leaders have assured them that their concerns will be addressed, trust will depend on the next round of candidate announcements.
This episode is a reminder that local-body elections in Maharashtra often expose the strengths and weaknesses of party structures more sharply than state or national polls. With a large number of seats and a strong emphasis on hyper-local campaigning, dissatisfaction among workers can have a direct impact on results. Thane, a politically sensitive region for both parties, will be watched closely to see whether the alliance can recover from the internal friction and present a united front to voters.
As the election date approaches, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP are aware that they cannot afford further unrest among their cadres. The coming days will show whether the leadership makes adjustments that satisfy workers or whether more conflicts emerge as candidate lists are finalised.
