The Bharatiya Janata Party has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy in Thane after formally welcoming Mayur Shinde into its ranks, a move that has drawn sharp reactions due to Shinde’s criminal background. The induction took place on Wednesday in the presence of senior local BJP leaders and legislators, immediately setting off political debate ahead of the civic polls.
Mayur Shinde, who originally hails from Mumbai’s Bhandup region, is known to law enforcement agencies for his long criminal record, with multiple cases registered against him in Mumbai and Thane. These cases reportedly involve serious allegations, including violent crimes and extortion. Following sustained police action in the past, Shinde was externed from Mumbai and later shifted his activities to Thane.
Shinde has previously made headlines after being arrested in 2023 in connection with alleged threat calls made to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and his brother. Despite this history, his entry into the BJP has now brought renewed scrutiny on the party’s approach to candidates with criminal backgrounds.
This is not Shinde’s first brush with electoral politics. He had earlier attempted to secure a ticket from the Shiv Sena during the 2017 municipal elections but was unsuccessful. In recent weeks, banners and posters announcing his likely induction into the BJP had appeared across parts of Thane, prompting criticism from rival parties. Following the backlash, the party had briefly paused the move, only to proceed with his formal induction days later.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Shinde is preparing to contest the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections, possibly from the Savarkar Nagar area. His formal entry into the BJP has intensified discussions on whether the party may eventually consider him for a civic ticket.
Opposition leaders have questioned the BJP’s decision, accusing it of hypocrisy on the issue of criminalisation of politics. Leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp have asked why the party went ahead with the induction after initially stepping back amid public criticism.
Responding to the uproar, Thane BJP president Sandeep Lele attempted to calm the situation, stating that Shinde has been inducted only as a primary party worker. He clarified that no position has been given to him and that the party has not announced him as a candidate for any election. Lele also pointed out that while some cases against Shinde are still pending, others have already been disposed of by courts.
