Pune: In preparation for the upcoming municipal elections, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut and senior leader Sachin Ahir chaired a meeting today (January 27) in Pune.

The meeting, which was attended by office bearers from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, became a stage for both strategic discussions and internal discord.

Former MLA Chandrakant Mokate abruptly left the meeting after a chair-related incident involving Shiv Sena UBT faction leader Sushma Andhare. Mokate, who was seated on the dais, reportedly had to vacate his chair for Andhare upon her arrival. Following this, Mokate exited the venue.

Speaking to reporters outside, Mokate said, “When Sushma Andhare arrived, there was no place for her to sit. I offered my chair and left. She is our leader, and she deserved to sit there.” His remarks, however, carried undertones of dissatisfaction over the incident.

Mokate is a senior leader of the Shiv Sena UBT faction in Pune and had recently contested the assembly elections against BJP’s Chandrakant Patil in Kothrud. His departure from the meeting raised questions about unity and morale within the faction.

Vasant More Gains Prominence in Pune’s Thackeray Faction

Another highlight of the meeting was the growing influence of Vasant More, a prominent leader of the Thackeray faction in Pune. Initially seated among the office bearers, More was personally invited onto the dais by Sanjay Raut, signaling his increasing importance within the faction.

Shiv Sena UBT Facing Challenges Ahead of Elections

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction is grappling with setbacks as five corporators recently left the party to join the BJP. In light of this, MP Sanjay Raut has taken charge to strengthen the party's position ahead of the municipal elections. Today’s meeting was part of these efforts to boost morale and finalize strategies.