Internal squabbles in Malegaon unit of Shiv Sena (UBT)

Nashik: Although Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is keen on defeating state Shiv Sena cabinet minister Dada Bhuse, internal squabbles within the Malegaon UBT unit could play a spoilsport.Former Malegaon taluka chief Rambhau Mistari and his supporters have resigned from the party in protest against UBT deputy leader Advay Hiray, who is likely to contest against Dada Bhuse in the Malegaon Outer assembly constituency.Hiray had recently expelled Mistari for the latter's alleged anti-party activities.What has further compounded woes for the UBT top brass is that local UBT politician Bandu Bacchav has demanded party ticket for Malegaon Outer. He is likely to contest as an independent if the party ignores his demand.Mistari said that he has been with the undivided Shiv Sena for the past 45 years. "After the split in the party, I remained with the Shiv Sena (UBT).""But deputy leader Advay Hiray expelled me from the position as Malegaon taluka chief of the party. Thereafter, I resigned from the primary membership of the party and sent the resignation to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Along with me, around hundred party workers also quit the party," said Mistari.Mistari said he has still not decided to join any party.Moreover, local UBT politician Bandu Bacchav recently met Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and sought the party's ticket from Malegaon Outer constituency."Raut has assured that both Advay and I are two candidates of the party from Malegaon Outer assembly constituency. The decision about awarding the ticket to either of the two will be taken by the party leadership, but both the candidates will be taken into confidence while awarding candidatures to either of the two candidates," said Bacchav.The sitting MLA from Malegaon Outer and district guardian minister Dada Bhuse has been winning this seat since 2004. This time, the straight fight will be between Shiv Sena and UBT in the Malegaon Outer constituency.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.