Prahar Janshakti Party’s Bachchu Kadu joins Shinde-led Shiv Sena, gets MLC nomination

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde names former deputy chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe as the Sena’s second candidate.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday inducted Prahar Janshakti Party chief Bachchu Kadu into the Shiv Sena and announced his candidature for the Legislative Council. The party named former deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe as its second nominee.

The announcement came barely two hours before the nomination deadline, adding to last-minute political suspense. Shinde confirmed that both candidates would file their nominations.

“We have decided to field Bachchu Kadu and Neelam Gorhe as our candidates for the Legislative Council.”

“Bachchu Kadu comes from a background of grassroots agitations. His movements have forced governments to take key decisions, including farm loan waivers,” Shinde said. “Social struggles need political strength.”

Shinde cited Gorhe’s experience in the Legislative Council and her tenure as its deputy chairperson. “She has contributed significantly in the House and to the organisation,” he said.

“Social struggles need political strength. Voices raised on the streets must find space in the decision-making process. Neelam Gorhe has done commendable work as deputy chairperson of the Council. Her experience will benefit the organisation. Prahar will continue as a social organisation, but it will work in alignment with Shiv Sena to strengthen the party across Maharashtra. Our Mahayuti candidates will win with a comfortable margin,” he added.

Speaking at the induction event in Mumbai, Kadu said Prahar would continue as an independent social body.

“Prahar will remain an independent social organisation, but our political fight will now be through Shiv Sena. This decision is not about a post or candidature, but about aligning with a shared ideology. I want to work more effectively for farmers, persons with disabilities, labourers and the deprived sections. My future political journey will be under the leadership of Eknath Shinde,” he added.

Polling for 9 seats to the Legislative Council is scheduled for May 12, with counting to be held the same day, as per the programme announced by the Election Commission of India.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Ambadas Danve, a move that has triggered indications of friction within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. However, the Congress has agreed not to field a candidate.

The BJP has named Sunil Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Vivek Kolhe, Pramod Jathar, and Pragnya Satav as its candidates, while the NCP has nominated Zeeshan Siddique.

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday inducted Prahar Janshakti Party chief Bachchu Kadu into the Shiv Sena and announced his candidature for the Legislative Council. The party named former deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe as its second nominee.

The announcement came barely two hours before the nomination deadline, adding to last-minute political suspense. Shinde confirmed that both candidates would file their nominations.

“We have decided to field Bachchu Kadu and Neelam Gorhe as our candidates for the Legislative Council.”

“Bachchu Kadu comes from a background of grassroots agitations. His movements have forced governments to take key decisions, including farm loan waivers,” Shinde said. “Social struggles need political strength.”

Shinde cited Gorhe’s experience in the Legislative Council and her tenure as its deputy chairperson. “She has contributed significantly in the House and to the organisation,” he said.

“Social struggles need political strength. Voices raised on the streets must find space in the decision-making process. Neelam Gorhe has done commendable work as deputy chairperson of the Council. Her experience will benefit the organisation. Prahar will continue as a social organisation, but it will work in alignment with Shiv Sena to strengthen the party across Maharashtra. Our Mahayuti candidates will win with a comfortable margin,” he added.

Speaking at the induction event in Mumbai, Kadu said Prahar would continue as an independent social body.

“Prahar will remain an independent social organisation, but our political fight will now be through Shiv Sena. This decision is not about a post or candidature, but about aligning with a shared ideology. I want to work more effectively for farmers, persons with disabilities, labourers and the deprived sections. My future political journey will be under the leadership of Eknath Shinde,” he added.

Polling for 9 seats to the Legislative Council is scheduled for May 12, with counting to be held the same day, as per the programme announced by the Election Commission of India.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Ambadas Danve, a move that has triggered indications of friction within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. However, the Congress has agreed not to field a candidate.

The BJP has named Sunil Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Vivek Kolhe, Pramod Jathar, and Pragnya Satav as its candidates, while the NCP has nominated Zeeshan Siddique.