Wed Oct 23 13:57:34 UTC 2024: **Summary of the Article:**
– **Context**: As the assembly elections approach, the Shiv Sena Ubattha faction is pushing for the candidacy of former MLA Rupesh Mhatre for the Bhiwandi East assembly constituency.
– **Support for Mhatre**: Shiv Sena workers and officials have become aggressive in their support for Mhatre, indicating a willingness to resign if necessary to back his candidacy.
– **Key Meeting**: A significant meeting was held in Bhiwandi, attended by various party leaders and a large number of Women’s Youth Sena workers, emphasizing unified support for Mhatre.
– **Demands**: There is a strong demand for party leader Uddhav Thackeray to officially announce Mhatre’s candidacy. If this doesn’t happen, supporters are prepared to resign and suggest Mhatre file as an independent candidate.
– **Strategic Importance**: The group argues that if the seat goes to the Samajwadi Party following Mhatre’s previous narrow defeat in 2019, it would be a mistake, as the Samajwadi Party has announced multiple candidates without any alliance with the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
– **Confidence in Leadership**: District head Vishwas Thale expressed confidence that Mhatre’s candidacy for the Bhiwandi East assembly will be confirmed soon.
Overall, the article highlights the urgency within the Shiv Sena faction to secure a strong candidate for the upcoming elections, with specific calls to action from party supporters.
First Piper 