In a significant political development ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction has suffered a notable defection. Sheetal Devrukhkar-Sheth, a senior Yuva Sena leader and a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, has resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A Key Exit in South Mumbai
The move, confirmed on January 1, 2026, is viewed as a setback for the Sena (UBT) in South Mumbai, where campaigning for the civic elections is intensifying. Devrukhkar-Sheth publicly announced her induction into the BJP by posting a photograph on social media with party leader Chitra Wagh.
Sheetal Devrukhkar-Sheth had been associated with the Shiv Sena since 2003, holding several organisational positions over two decades. She was a member of the core committee of the Yuva Sena, the party's youth wing, and collaborated closely with Aaditya Thackeray on various party initiatives. Beyond politics, she also serves as a member of the Mumbai University Senate.
Ticket Denial Triggered the Switch
While her resignation cited personal reasons, insiders within the Sena (UBT) revealed that the primary catalyst was the denial of a party ticket. According to sources, Devrukhkar-Sheth was keen to contest the BMC elections from Ward No. 51 and had been actively preparing for the Mumbai civic polls. Her name, however, did not feature in the party's candidate lists, leading to dissatisfaction and her eventual exit.
This defection underscores the intense internal competition and high stakes surrounding the BMC elections, India's richest municipal corporation. The loss of a seasoned local leader and Thackeray loyalist is a blow to the Sena (UBT)'s grassroots machinery in a key region.
Implications for the Upcoming Civic Battle
The timing of the switch, just as campaigning gathers pace, provides an immediate boost to the BJP's local cadre in Mumbai. It signals potential unrest within the Sena (UBT) ranks over ticket distribution and could influence the political equations in specific wards. The BJP's gain of a leader with over two decades of experience and deep connections within the Yuva Sena structure is a strategic acquisition.
As the battle for control of the BMC heats up, this move highlights the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Mumbai's politics, where allegiances can shift rapidly in the pursuit of electoral opportunity.
