In a late-night political move, the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray distributed crucial AB nomination forms to 102 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The distribution took place from late Sunday night until the early hours of Monday, concluding around 3 am.
Late-Night Rush at Matoshree
Party aspirants were summoned to Matoshree, the Thackeray family residence in Bandra East, where party president Uddhav Thackeray personally handed out the forms. The party has neither declared its formal seat-sharing arrangement with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) nor released an official candidate list, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings.
Among the prominent candidates who received forms and were directed to file nominations on Monday were:
- Roshni Gaikwad (Ward No. 3)
- Ankit Prabhu (Ward No. 54)
- Meghana Mane (Ward No. 60)
- Zeeshan Changez Multani (Ward No. 62)
- Prasad Ayre (Ward No. 65)
- Suprada Fatarphekar (Ward No. 150)
- Ramakant Rahate (Ward No. 208)
Expressing confidence, candidate Meghana Mane stated, "I will fight with all my might and win. The Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance will win the BMC polls."
Former Corporators and Internal Tensions
The list also included former mayor Kishori Pednekar, who received a form for Ward No. 199, and former corporator Vishakha Raut for Ward No. 191. Raut took to social media platform X, stating, "Today, at Matoshree, I received the party's official ‘AB Form' from the hands of party chief Uddhav Thackeray. This strength is given by Matoshree and your support. Now, victory is certain."
However, the distribution process was not without its drama and reported internal disagreements. Sources indicated a face-off between senior party functionaries Anil Parab and Varun Sardesai over ticket distribution, particularly concerning Bandra West, where Sardesai is the sitting MLA. Reports suggested Parab walked out of a meeting at Matoshree.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut denied any such spat. Varun Sardesai also dismissed the reports, saying, "If there is any unhappiness we will talk to people and resolve those differences. These are rumours... Parab is taking decisions based on responsibilities assigned to him."
Protests and Notable Omissions
The event also saw protests from aspirants who were left out. Anjali and Chetan Suryawanshi staged a sit-in outside Matoshree, demanding a ticket for Anjali. Several others raised slogans in protest after failing to secure a nomination form.
In a significant development, the party did not distribute AB forms for the Worli constituency until Monday evening. Worli is the constituency of party MLA and Uddhav's son, Aaditya Thackeray. Following speculation that Hemangi Worlikar would be given a ticket from Ward No. 193, Worli shakha pramukh Suryakant Koli resigned from his post.
The late-night distribution drive sets the stage for a high-stakes battle for control of India's richest municipal corporation, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) banking on its candidate selection to secure a victory.
