PUNE: In a major setback to the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance ahead of the State Assembly polls to be held on October 21, Shiv Sena (SS) rebel candidate and sitting corporator Vishal Dhanwade from Kasba Peth, along with 200 
party workers quit the Shiv Sena on Wednesday.

Dhanwade is now contesting the election as an independent. Speaking about his candidature, he said, “Shiv Sena had demanded a few seats during this Assembly elections from Pune, but it did not happen. Therefore, I have decided to contest independently.”

In the seat-sharing arrangement, all eight Assembly seats went to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). There was great displeasure among party workers on both sides (BJP and Shiv Sena). A few rebels on both sides took back their nominations on the last date of withdrawal.

Dhanwade said, “Party workers have been pressurised after the candidature was declared. Many Shiv Sainiks were told by BJP that they would complain about them to Uddhav Thackeray. Therefore, I, along with party workers from my constituency, am resigning from the party. Also, I am committed to contest this election,” Dhanwade said. 

Dhanwade is contesting against BJP’s Mukta Tilak.