In a significant political development in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has faced a major setback in Thane district. Veteran leader and former MLA Subhash Bhoir, along with his son Sumit Bhoir and a cadre of supporters, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move signals a notable churn in the crucial Kalyan Rural belt, especially with key elections for local civic bodies on the horizon.
A Seasoned Leader's "Homecoming" to the BJP
The induction ceremony was led by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan. The 67-year-old Bhoir, whose last electoral victory was as an MLA in 2014, described his switch as a "homecoming." He traced his political origins back to the Jana Sangh in the late 1980s, highlighting his ideological roots with the BJP's predecessor.
Subhash Bhoir is a seasoned operator in Thane's political landscape, with a career spanning decades. His political resume includes serving as a five-term corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation, a stint as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), and his term as an MLA in 2014. He has also held key positions in influential bodies like the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Thane education board, and commands considerable respect within the Agri-Koli community.
Years of Discontent Led to the Switch
Sources indicate that Bhoir's departure from the Shiv Sena (UBT) was the culmination of years of growing dissatisfaction. The rift reportedly began in 2019 when he was denied a ticket to contest from the Kalyan Rural assembly constituency. The seat was later lost by the Sena to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and is currently held by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
His discontent reportedly deepened after being overlooked for the Kalyan Lok Sabha race, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate ultimately faced defeat. Bhoir was apparently upset with the party leadership for failing to provide him a suitable opportunity to contest prominent elections since 2019. After lying low politically for several years, his carefully timed move to the BJP is seen as a strategic reboot for his and his family's political future.
Political Implications for Thane and Beyond
State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan hailed Bhoir's decision, stating it was an "honour to welcome him back" and that the senior leader had made the "right choice." Political observers note that this induction significantly strengthens the BJP's grassroots presence in parts of Thane district adjoining municipal limits.
More importantly, it provides the Bhoir family with a stable platform within the BJP for future electoral battles. The move is expected to impact the dynamics in the Kalyan Rural region ahead of the upcoming local body elections, potentially altering the balance of power in this politically sensitive belt of Maharashtra.
