Mumbai: Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Babanrao Gholap's decision to join the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday has added to the challenges faced by the Uddhav Thackeray camp as the Lok Sabha elections approach.

The move comes as part of a series of developments indicating shifts in political allegiances within Maharashtra. Notably, Shinde revealed that two more MLAs from Rajasthan are set to join the Shiv Sena in the coming days, although specific details were not provided.

Gholap's decision to join the Shiv Sena was marked by a formal welcome into the party by Shinde himself, along with the presence of state minister Dada Bhuse and Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe. This move is significant given Gholap's stature as a five-time MLA from Nashik district, suggesting that his alignment with the Shinde-led Sena could potentially bolster the party's influence in North Maharashtra.

Moreover, this development follows the recent inclusion of independent MLA Rutu Banavat into the Shiv Sena, marking the party's expansion into the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. In addition to Gholap, former MLA Sanjay Pawar also joined the Shiv Sena under Shinde's leadership, further highlighting the momentum gathering behind the Shinde camp within the party.

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