Notorious Gangster Mayur Shinde Joins BJP in Thane Amidst Outcry

• Notorious gangster Mayur Shinde, accused of murder, extortion, and MCOCA, joined the BJP in Thane.
• Shinde's entry raises concerns about the BJP's 'party with a difference' image and the state's law and order situation.
• He was previously arrested in 2023 for threatening MP Sanjay Raut and had sought a Shiv Sena ticket in 2017.
• His joining occurred despite initial reports of opposition from senior BJP leaders in Delhi.
• Shinde joined the party in the presence of MLA Sanjay Kelkar, MLC Niranjan Davkhare, and Sandeep Lele.

Why It Matters: BJP faces scrutiny after notorious gangster Mayur Shinde, with a serious criminal record, joins the party.