Pune: Shiv Sena, under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership, announced its intent to contest 35 to 40 seats in the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (January 2), Shiv Sena Pune city chief Nana Bhangire confirmed that the party will stake its claim on seats it contested in previous elections.

The party has also claimed rights to constituencies previously held by BJP members who had defected from Shiv Sena. This move has heightened tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena.

Shiv Sena’s district co-coordinator Ajay Bhosale and other senior office-bearers joined the press briefing. Bhangire stated, “We are actively conducting meetings across wards to gear up for the elections. Voter registration drives and outreach campaigns are ongoing.

In the 2017 municipal elections, we contested 35-40 seats, and this time, we plan to contest the same number of constituencies. While we have abided by coalition decisions during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, we are adamant about retaining constituencies where we won under the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol. However, final decisions will depend on our party’s leadership.”

He further added that the party is witnessing significant interest from members of Congress, MNS, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction in Pune has faced setbacks. Former corporators Vishal Dhanawade and Bala Oswal have resigned, citing personal reasons. Reports indicate that Dhanawade, Oswal, Pallavi Jawale and two other former corporators are set to join the BJP, with their induction ceremony scheduled for January 5.