The alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS has now been finalized in Maharashtra. Both rival parties contested the cooperative credit society election associated with Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Monday. The Thackeray brothers have united against the BJP in the election for the board of Best Credit Society.
An Exciting Contest with Thackeray Brothers Joining Forces
The alliance between the Thackeray brothers has made the Best Credit Cooperative Society elections a hot topic across Maharashtra. With MLA Prasad Lad leading the BJP's challenge against both factions of the Thackeray family, the competition has intensified, making the elections fiercely competitive. UBT Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray's joint BEST union launched the 'Utkash Panel', while BJP MLC Prasad Lad headed the 'Shramik Sahakar Samriddhi Panel'.
On election day, 83.69% voter turnout was recorded, with votes cast across various BEST depots in Mumbai. Members of the credit society, including BEST employees, participated in the voting. BEST buses, a crucial aspect of Mumbai's public transport system, are regarded as the lifeline of the city alongside local trains.
Accusations Fly Between Both Factions
These elections have been contentious, with ongoing accusations between Shiv Sena led by Thackeray and BJP leaders. BJP MLA Prasad Lad accused Shiv Sena officials of misusing credit society funds with allegations of corruption related to bungalows, cars, offices, and deposit funds.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has already begun investigating these claims. Meanwhile, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande has accused the BJP of attempting to bribe Utkash panel supporters with thousands of rupees ahead of the elections.
Thackeray Family's Hold on Best Society
Both panels fielded 21 candidates each across 35 polling centers. An impressive 83.69% of the 15,093 registered voters participated. The unification of the Thackeray brothers through BEST has garnered significant attention ahead of the upcoming Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
The Thackeray family-led Shiv Sena has controlled the Best Credit Cooperative Society for the past nine years. Whether they will retain this dominance or the BJP's panel will triumph remains to be seen, as this result could influence the political atmosphere of Mumbai.
Thackeray Brothers Contest Elections Together
Recently, Sanjay Raut, MP of Shiv Sena UBT, announced that Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS will contest the BMC and other local body elections together. He said this alliance will not be limited to the BMC elections but will extend to the Nashik, Thane, Kalyan Dombivli elections as well.
Sanjay Raut declared that the objective of bringing the Thackeray brothers together is to unify Marathi voters. He stated that the united strength of the Thackeray brothers represents the unity of Marathi people, which no force can break.
Read more about the unity of Thackeray brothers.
