Thane: Shiv Sena Leader Defies Party by Running as Independent in Kalyan East Election
Thane, 29th October 2024: Frustrated by the BJP awarding a ticket to the wife of his alleged assailant, Mahesh Gaikwad from the Kalyan Shiv Sena has decided to contest the Kalyan East seat as an independent candidate while retaining his party membership.
The seat has been allocated to the BJP as part of the Mahayuti alliance, and they have nominated Sulabha Gaikwad, the wife of the current MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, who is in jail following an incident in which he allegedly shot Mahesh at the Ulhasnagar police station in February. The two have a history of conflicts over various local issues.
Mahesh expressed his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s choice, stating, “Had they selected anyone other than Ganpat or his family, I wouldn’t have run. However, they chose someone who has not contributed to the city’s development and is related to a criminal, prompting my decision to enter the race.”
While Mahesh garnered significant support during his nomination rally, senior Sena leaders and corporators noticeably avoided the event, as the party reportedly instructed them to stay away.
He is not the only candidate defying party lines in the constituency; Sachin Pote, the Kalyan district president of the Congress party, has also filed to run as an independent. Meanwhile, within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Shiv Sena (UBT) has selected Dhananjay Bodare as their candidate for the seat.
