Big Blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Shiv Sena UBT Candidate and Several Members Join BJP in Pune Ahead of PMC Election

Ahead of PMC Election 2026, a Shiv Sena UBT candidate and multiple party members join the BJP in Pune, dealing a major political setback to Uddhav Thackeray.

January 6, 2026 | Pune – In a significant political development ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation Election 2026, a Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) candidate along with several party members has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Pune. The move, reported on January 6, 2026, is being described as a major setback for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction and has intensified political activity in the city.

The joining ceremony took place in the presence of senior BJP leaders, who welcomed the new entrants and described the development as a reflection of growing confidence in the BJP’s leadership and governance model. Party leaders claimed that leaders and workers from other parties are increasingly gravitating towards the BJP due to dissatisfaction with internal functioning and lack of direction in their previous organisations.

According to sources, the Shiv Sena UBT candidate who switched sides was considered influential at the ward level, with a strong local connect and organisational experience. The induction of such leaders is expected to strengthen the BJP’s position in Pune, particularly at a time when civic elections are approaching and ward-level dynamics are crucial.

The BJP leadership stated that Pune’s voters are seeking stability, development-oriented governance, and effective civic administration. They asserted that the growing support from leaders of rival parties indicates public approval of the BJP’s work in urban governance, infrastructure development, and coordination with the state government.

The Shiv Sena UBT faction, meanwhile, has faced a series of political challenges in recent months, with multiple leaders and workers either resigning or joining rival parties. Political observers note that such defections can weaken grassroots networks, especially during municipal elections where booth-level management and local influence play a decisive role.

Leaders joining the BJP reportedly cited lack of internal communication, confusion over leadership, and limited opportunities to serve the public as reasons for leaving the Shiv Sena UBT faction. They stated that the BJP provides a clearer organisational structure and a platform to actively participate in development work.

Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to the development, accusing the BJP of encouraging defections through power and political pressure. They claimed that ideological differences are being sidelined for electoral gains. However, BJP leaders dismissed these allegations, stating that leaders are joining voluntarily after assessing ground realities and voter sentiment.

Political analysts believe that the defection is strategically important in Pune, a city known for competitive civic politics and an informed electorate. They point out that even a few high-profile switches can influence voter perception and campaign momentum, especially in closely contested wards.

For local residents, reactions have been mixed. While some voters see such moves as opportunistic, others believe that leaders joining the ruling party can help accelerate development work and improve coordination with the government. Many citizens, however, stressed that their voting decision would ultimately depend on candidate credibility and performance rather than party switches alone.

As of January 6, 2026, the BJP appears to be consolidating its position in Pune ahead of the PMC elections, while the Shiv Sena UBT faction faces renewed pressure to retain its organisational strength. The political temperature in the city is expected to rise further as campaigning intensifies and parties step up outreach efforts.

The coming days will reveal whether this defection triggers further political movement in Pune. For now, the entry of a Shiv Sena UBT candidate and several members into the BJP has clearly altered the political narrative, marking it as a significant moment in the run-up to the Pune Municipal Corporation Election 2026.

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