Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Defection Fears
The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, is worried because one of their new members, Dr. Sarita Mhaske, might leave the party and join the BJP.
This could change who gets to be the mayor of Mumbai.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) just chose Kishori Pednekar as their leader, but Dr. Mhaske didn't show up for the meeting.
Some people think more members might leave before the mayor election.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is trying to talk to Dr. Mhaske, but they haven't been able to reach her yet.
The mayor will be decided by a lottery on January 22.
Shiv Sena (UBT) faces potential defection of Dr. Sarita Mhaske and 10 other corporators to BJP-led Mahayuti.
Dr. Mhaske absent from crucial meeting to elect Shiv Sena (UBT) group leader, Kishori Pednekar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders unable to contact Dr. Mhaske, dismissing speculation of discontent.
BMC mayoral election scheduled for January 22, 2026, with potential impact from defections.
Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators registered for new Mumbai civic body, but Dr. Mhaske was not present.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP, Dr. Sarita Mhaske
- What
- Defection fears in Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of BMC mayoral election
- When
- January 21, 2026; BMC mayor lottery on January 22, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- Why
- Potential defection of Dr. Sarita Mhaske and other corporators to BJP-led Mahayuti
- Parties Involved
- Shiv Sena (UBT), BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde)
- Defection Concerns
- Dr. Sarita Mhaske and potentially 10 other corporators
- BMC Mayor Election
- Scheduled for January 22, 2026
- Shiv Sena (UBT) Group Leader
- Kishori Pednekar
- BMC Seats
- BJP: 89, Shiv Sena (UBT): 65
- Defeated Candidate
- Asha Tayade (BJP)
- Vote Margin
- 1,803 votes
Sources
BMC Mayor Race: Raj Thackeray ‘Distraught’ Over MNS’s Kalyan Drama; UBT’s Raut Attacks BJP, Shinde
After Pre-Poll Alliance With Uddhav, MNS Backs Shinde's Sena In Kalyan-Dombivli
‘Those who keep switching parties are political psychopaths’: Sanjay Raut reacts after MNS backs Shinde Sena in KDMC
Mumbai polls: 64 of 65 Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators complete registration, one skips
Ex-mayor and Thackeray loyalist Pednekar to lead Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators in BMC
Shiv Sena (UBT) Fumes as MNS Backs Shinde in KDMC
Raju Patil, the MNS leader behind surprise alliance with Shinde Sena
Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, and Ulhasnagar civic bodies will have Mahayuti mayors: BJP
How fragmented Opp helped Mahayuti win BMC under first-past-the-post system
Mumbai Politics: BMC House To Have 10 Nominated Corporators After MMC Act Amendment, Defeated Heavyweights May Return
BJP-Shinde Sena Tensions Surface As Race For Mumbai Mayor’s Post Intensifies Amid Seat Disputes
Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Setback As First Woman BMC Corporator Sarita Mhaske Appears To Join Shinde Faction
Defection Fears haunt Shiv Sena (UBT) As BMC Mayor Election Nears
BMC politics heats up as Shinde Sena corporators freed after gazette anti-defection move
MNS Backs Shinde Sena As BJP, Congress Face Infighting Ahead Of Maharashtra Mayor Battles
Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Thane will have Mahayuti mayors, no disputes with Shiv Sena: Maharashtra BJP
BREAKING: Mumbai Mayor Post Reserved For 'General Woman' Category; BJP-Led Mahayuti Set To Claim BMC Throne
MNS backing Shiv Sena akin to Uddhav’s ‘betrayal’ of Fadnavis after 2019 polls: BJP leader
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav & Raj Thackeray To Address Cadres Together At Bal Thackeray Birth Centenary Event
MNS-Shinde Sena alliance in KDMC, strains ties with Sena (UBT)
