As the political atmosphere in Maharashtra intensifies ahead of the upcoming local body and municipal elections, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has shifted gears, placing the Shiv Sena in action mode. In a strategic move to strengthen grassroots outreach and party infrastructure, Shinde has assigned special responsibilities to ministers, aiming to boost the party’s prospects in the upcoming civic polls, including the all-important BMC election.
During a recent meeting of Shiv Sena ministers, a comprehensive review of party growth and regional performance was undertaken. In this meeting, ministers were handed charge of specific regions and districts, with clear instructions to begin groundwork without waiting for the formal election notification.
According to party sources, each minister has been assigned responsibility for five districts, allowing for a focused and departmental approach to party organization and public engagement.
Western Maharashtra (Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Solapur):
– Minister Shambhuraj Desai
– Minister Prakash Abitkar
Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg:
– Minister Uday Samant
– Minister Bharat Gogawale
– Minister Yogesh Kadam
Marathwada Division:
– Minister Sanjay Shirsath
Vidarbha Division:
– Minister Sanjay Rathod
– Minister Ashish Jaiswal
Khandesh Division:
– Minister Gulabrao Patil
– Minister Dada Bhuse
Palghar, Mira-Bhayander, and Mumbai Suburbs:
– Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Party insiders have indicated that this restructuring of responsibilities is a strategic attempt to strengthen organizational presence, foster local connections, and mobilize support at the grassroots level, particularly in key urban and semi-urban constituencies. With Shinde’s leadership, Shiv Sena appears to be gearing up for an aggressive electoral campaign, with ministers expected to begin district-level engagement immediately.