The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday asked all its current and former office-bearers not to leave their areas of jurisdiction in view of the coming local body elections in Maharashtra, the PTI reported.
As per the directives of party president and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, they are instructed to remain in their areas until the elections are over, Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More said in a letter.
If they need to leave their jurisdiction for unavoidable reasons, the party`s central office must be informed, the letter said, the news agency reported.
The directive has been issued till the level of `shakha pramukhs` who head the party`s grassroots units.
Elections to several local bodies in the state including the municipal corporations of metro cities such as Mumbai and Pune have been pending for more than three years.
Meanwhile, last week, Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had said on Saturday that Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will contest the Thane civic polls together and win over 75 seats.
Sanjay Raut`s remarks came amid a section of BJP leaders wanting the party to go solo in Thane, which is known to be the bastion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his Shiv Sena.
“Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will contest together and win Thane. Our slogan is 75 paar (more than 75 seats),” Raut told reporters. Thane Municipal Corporation has 131 seats, according to the PTI.
Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray have come close over the last four months sparking the buzz of an alliance. While both are yet to officially declare the tie-up, it is expected to be announce ahead of the local body polls.
On Friday, Uddhav Thackeray sent out a message of Marathi unity during the inauguration of the annual Deepotsav celebration, hosted by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at Shivaji Park.
“Marathi unity will certainly bring happiness and light into people’s lives and homes,” Uddhav said in his brief, minute-long address at the Dadar playground.
A few years back, then Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had inaugurated the festival.
(with PTI inputs)
