Political Shift: Former Mumbai Mayor Joins BJP

Former Mumbai Mayor Shubha Raul left the Shiv Sena (UBT) to join the BJP, coinciding with an election setback for Uddhav Thackeray's faction. Her switch, alongside the alliance manifesto announcement by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, impacts the Shiv Sena camp ahead of the crucial BMC elections.

In a significant political development, former Mumbai Mayor Shubha Raul has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move seen as a blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the upcoming Mumbai civic body elections. Raul made her switch in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after ending her association with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

This development comes just as Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray unveiled their alliance's manifesto, marking a crucial juncture for the Shiv Sena camp. Raul's exit is perceived as a setback for Uddhav Thackeray's faction, especially with important elections on the horizon.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), along with 28 other civic bodies in Maharashtra, is set to go to polls on January 15, adding pressure on the Shiv Sena to consolidate its position amidst shifting political allegiances.

(With inputs from agencies.)