Bachchu Kadu’s Shiv Sena Entry To Power Shinde’s Vidarbha Push Nagpur: The merger of ex-MLA Bachchu Kadu’s Prahar Janshakti Party with Shiv Sena (Shinde) has been framed as a strategic political alliance that benefits both parties and aligns with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s ambitions to strengthen the party’s presence in Vidarbha. Kadu, who suffered a defeat in the 2024 state elections, is now securing a seat in the Legislative Council, while Shinde gains a prominent figure with a strong grassroots following to challenge the BJP’s dominance in the region. Shiv Sena, despite having MLAs and an MP from Vidarbha, has historically operated as a secondary force to its alliance partner, the BJP. This dynamic has persisted even during the party’s earlier unified phase. Sources suggest that Shinde, feeling pressure from the BJP, is actively pursuing efforts to consolidate existing strongholds and expand into areas traditionally controlled by the BJP. The merger with Kadu’s party is seen as a key step in this strategy. Shiv Sena’s chief spokesperson, Raju Waghmare, emphasized that the party’s expansion efforts are not aimed at undermining the BJP. “Every party has the right to grow, and it is incorrect to assume we are rejecting those who approach us,” Waghmare stated. He highlighted Kadu’s prior support for Shinde during the 2022 revolt, noting that his alignment with the party has not shifted significantly. Kadu’s political reentry coincided with Sena MP Pratap Jadhav assuming the role of Vidarbha’s sampark mantri. A day before Kadu’s alliance announcement, Jadhav convened a critical meeting in Nagpur with Sena officials to discuss broader expansion plans.#vidarbha #shiv_sena #eknath_shinde #bachchu_kadu #pratap_jadhav
