Thane: Former Sharad Pawar Faction Corporator Milind Patil Joins Eknath Shinde-Led Shiv Sena

Thane, 8th May 2025: In a significant political realignment ahead of the Thane municipal elections, former Thane Municipal Corporation Opposition Leader Milind Patil and five other ex-corporators from the NCP (Sharad Pawar) group officially joined the Shiv Sena on Thursday in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The move is expected to strengthen Shiv Sena’s position in Thane, a traditional party stronghold, and marks a setback for NCP (SP) leader and Kalwa-Mumbra MLA Jitendra Awhad.

Speaking to reporters after the induction, Milind Patil explained the decision by highlighting the stalled development in Kalwa due to a lack of political power in recent years. “We are people who have worked with Jitendra Awhad and are used to development. But in the absence of power, Kalwa’s progress was delayed. I am not saying power will never return, but Kalwa has no more time left,” Patil said, emphasising the urgency of redevelopment and infrastructure upgrades in the area.

Patil praised both Awhad as a “development man” and Eknath Shinde as a “mega development man,” stating, “When someone enters public life, their expectation is the development of their constituency. We have seen the development done by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde across Maharashtra-there’s no need for us to spell it out.” He added that discussions with Shinde had resulted in assurances for addressing Kalwa’s redevelopment challenges, particularly regarding old and dilapidated buildings. “There are buildings over 40 years old. In five years, residents will have to vacate them. Some are attempting repairs, but stability certificates last only three years. It was time to think about the future,” Patil noted.

Patil also reflected on the broader purpose behind the switch, saying, “Politics is a means to public welfare, and power is the tool for it. If we can achieve development for our people through Eknath Shinde and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, then it is better to take a new decision than remain stuck in emotion. We have discussed this for a year and are joining Shiv Sena to give our best to the people.”

The defection of these leaders, including Manali Patil, Mahesh Salvi, Manisha Salvi, Surekha Patil, and Sachin Mhatre, is seen as a strategic gain for Shiv Sena as hundreds of workers from Thane district continue to join the party, further consolidating its influence in the region.