Ahead of Nashik civic polls, Thackeray Sena faces major setbacks as key leaders and corporators join BJP. Growing defections hint that Shinde Sena–BJP alliance is gaining early momentum in Nashik.
Nashik | July 3, 2025: Even before the dates for the Nashik municipal elections are officially declared, the Mahayuti alliance of Shinde Sena and BJP seems to have gained a clear edge over Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction. With a series of strategic political blows, the Thackeray Sena finds itself in an increasingly vulnerable position.
In a significant development, Thackeray group’s recently appointed Nashik Metropolitan Chief, Mama Rajwade, is set to join BJP, just a week after assuming the position. His defection marks a third major exit following those of Sudhakar Badgujar and Vilas Shinde. Adding to the blow, three sitting corporators of the Thackeray group are also switching allegiance to BJP today, in what is being termed as a major “mega entry ceremony.”
A few days ago, Thackeray Sena had organized a determination camp in Nashik. However, sources claim that party workers and leaders were already undecided and disillusioned, leading to internal turmoil. The steady stream of defectors signals rising dissatisfaction within the Thackeray camp.
The BJP, which had gained a significant vote share in the last assembly elections in Nashik, has used that momentum to ramp up political migration from rival factions. Earlier, Sudhakar Badgujar’s entry into BJP had caused an uproar, but after his meeting with Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, the resistance quickly faded. His move seemingly opened the gates for many others.
With local BJP leaders now accepting newcomers from rival parties, internal resistance has weakened. This is helping BJP consolidate its base and grow its strength in the lead-up to the civic polls. Political observers believe that the Mahayuti has already won “half the battle” in Nashik even before a single vote is cast.
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