Mumbai: In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, prominent Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader Sudhakar Badgujar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, accompanied by a large contingent of supporters. The induction ceremony took place at the BJP office in Nariman Point, Mumbai, with celebrations marked by drumbeats, slogans, and enthusiastic crowds.
Badgujar was formally welcomed into the BJP fold in the presence of senior party leaders including BJP Maharashtra State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Working President Ravindra Chavan, and senior minister Girish Mahajan. Notably, there was a brief delay in the event as Badgujar was seen waiting for the arrival of key leaders before the official induction.
Addressing the gathering, Badgujar expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership. “Today, I have joined the BJP, and I sincerely thank Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Ravindra Mahajan. Girish Mahajan is truly a troubleshooter. He manages crises very well and resolved mine too,” he said. Reflecting on his journey, Badgujar added, “I don’t know what information was conveyed about me to the party, but I have always served the community. During the pandemic, when no one came forward, I ran a COVID center and worked relentlessly for the party.”
In a direct jibe at his former party, Badgujar stated, “To the party that disrespected me — in the upcoming municipal elections, the truth will come out. Water will separate from milk.” He also hailed BJP leader and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his vision and governance, particularly highlighting initiatives like generating revenue from sewage water treatment for municipal corporations during 2010–11.
Joining Badgujar in this political shift was Baban Gholap, another key local leader. “I joined BJP because Badgujar sir was insulted in his previous party. When common workers are not respected, staying there is pointless. In the coming elections, we will prove our strength and ensure BJP’s victory,” Gholap said.
Reinforcing BJP’s grip on the region, Minister Girish Mahajan said, “Nashik has always been a BJP stronghold. Now with leaders like Badgujar on board, our goal is to cross 100 seats in the upcoming municipal elections. People are tired of NCP, UBT, and Congress — they have lost public trust.”
Working President Ravindra Chavan assured the new members of the party’s commitment. “We will not break the trust you’ve placed in us. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis, we are committed to taking BJP’s ideology to the grassroots,” Chavan said.
Addressing concerns about factionalism, BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized party unity. “There are no personal conflicts — only ideological ones, and those can be resolved. We welcome every individual who wants to grow with the party. We will soon organize a rally in Nashik to induct more leaders who are ready to join. The BJP will never allow anyone’s dignity to be undermined.”
The induction of Badgujar and Gholap marks a strategic boost for BJP as it gears up for critical municipal elections in Maharashtra, signaling possible further cracks in the Shiv Sena (UBT) base in the region.
