BJP Triumphs as Thackeray's Sena Faces Crushing Loss in BEST Society Election

In a significant setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), their panel lost all 21 seats in the BEST Employees Cooperative Credit Society elections. The defeat raised questions about the 'Thackeray brand', with BJP leaders seeing it as a positive sign ahead of local elections.

In a significant blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), their panel suffered a complete defeat in the BEST Employees Cooperative Credit Society elections, losing all 21 seats. The elections were seen as an opportunity to showcase a potential alliance between the two rival parties led by cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray.

The results prompted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other BJP leaders to mock the 'Thackeray brand', declaring it had lost its shine. This development may influence upcoming local body elections, with BJP's victory seen as a strong indicator of growing support among Mumbai workers and employees.

Contributing to the defeat, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande claimed financial incentives influenced votes, although party members downplayed the election's significance as a litmus test for wider polls. As speculation of a Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance persists, the loss underscores the challenges facing the 'Thackeray brand'.

(With inputs from agencies.)