Congress MLA Jayshree Jadhav Switches Side To Shiv Sena After Ticket Denial

Thane: Jayshree Jhav, Congress MLA from Kolhapur rth, has given a massive jolt to party by switching allegiance to Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde . Jhav's decision to join Shiv Sena was followed after she was denied a ticket by Congress party for upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

On Thursday, Jhav, accompanied by her son Satyajit, officially joined Shiv Sena in a ceremony attended by Eknath Shinde. As she joined party, she was appointed as deputy leer of party and designated as in-charge of its women's wing. This move comes as Shiv Sena is looking to strengn its presence in Kolhapur, and CM Shinde expressed optimism about positive impact of Jhav’s entry into party.

Jayshree Jhav's political journey began when she was elected as an MLA from Kolhapur rth in a by-election held in 2022, following passing of her husband, Chandrakant Jhav. family has a long-standing association with Shiv Sena, however, her husband h shifted to Congress after being denied a ticket himself. Reflecting on her decision, Jhav stated that her switch to Shiv Sena was driven by her discontent with Congress party's refusal to grant her a ticket.

Her departure from Congress party underscores ongoing tensions within Maharashtra's political landscape, particularly as various parties vie for influence in assembly elections. By aligning herself with Shiv Sena, Jhav aims to lever her family’s historical ties to party and its established support base in region.

Shiv Sena, in recent years, has faced challenges in maintaining its electoral foothold, and dition of Jhav is seen as a strategic move to enhance its prospects in Kolhapur.