With the high-stakes Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections scheduled for January 15, the city's major political players have placed a decisive bet on continuity and experience. An in-depth review of candidate lists released by the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP—along with the opposition reveals a clear pattern: the 'old guard' is firmly in charge.
Experience Trumps Experimentation in Volatile Poll Climate
The analysis shows that as many as 29 sitting corporators have been re-nominated across 11 pivotal wards in Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva, and the traditional power centre of Naupada–Kopri. This strategic move underscores a safety-first approach adopted by both the ruling coalition and opposition parties. In politically sensitive zones, electability has been prioritised over political experimentation.
Political observers note that in a closely fought and volatile electoral environment, parties are leaning heavily on incumbents who possess deep-rooted local influence. These veteran corporators, having served as the primary link between residents and the civic administration, bring a hyper-local advantage that new candidates cannot easily replicate in a single campaign cycle.
Ward-by-Ward: Strongholds of the Incumbents
The Naupada–Kopri cluster witnessed the highest concentration of returning veterans. In Ward 21, the BJP re-fielded its entire panel, including Sanjay Waghule, Madhavi Rajesh, Mrunal Pendse, and Sunesh Joshi. Nearby wards 20 and 22 featured a mix of Shiv Sena and BJP stalwarts like Malati Patil, Namrata Pamnani, Bharat Chavan, and Sudhir Kokate.
Shiv Sena stalwarts Minal Sankhe, Namrata Bhosale, and Vikas Repale were re-nominated in Ward 19, completing the cluster. In Kalwa, a zone of high-profile contest, Ward 23A sees Shiv Sena's Milind Patil and Aparna Salvi campaigning alongside veteran Independent Pramila Keni and her son Mandar Keni, who is now on a Sena ticket.
The Diva suburbs reflect a similar trend, with the Shiv Sena banking on its local strongholds by re-nominating Shailesh Patil (Ward 27A) and Deepak Jadhav (Ward 28A), along with Darshana Mhatre and Babaji Patil.
Contrasting Strategies and the Road to Polling Day
While the Shinde Sena and BJP have largely opted for continuity, the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has chosen to field fresh faces in some areas. For instance, Abhijeet Pawar is contesting from Ward 9 on an NCP(SP) ticket, alongside new candidates Ganesh Kamble and Anita Gauri.
However, the overarching message from party headquarters is unambiguous. As micro-ward calculations are expected to play a decisive role, parties are trusting experience, familiarity, and local recall to hold their lines. The re-nomination of 29 corporators is a calculated tactical move aimed at minimising electoral risk and leveraging what insiders term 'incumbency stability'. These veterans have a proven track record of handling everyday ward-level issues—from water supply and sanitation to roads and drainage—giving them an edge as Thane heads to the polls.
