Shinde's Nephew Joins Ajit Pawar's NCP, Candidature Confirmed; Major Blow to Shinde Sena

• Eknath Shinde's nephew, Ashish Mane, joined Ajit Pawar's NCP just 48 hours before municipal election nomination deadline.
• NCP confirmed Ashish Mane's candidature from Ward No. 159 in Chandivali constituency.
• This move is seen as a significant blow to Eknath Shinde's faction, following his past actions against Uddhav Thackeray.
• NCP also inducted former BJP General Secretary Neha Rathod, fielding her from Ward No. 156, creating internal Mahayuti friction.
• Seat-sharing within Mumbai's Mahayuti remains unresolved, with NCP demanding 20-25 seats amidst BJP's opposition to Nawab Malik's inclusion.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's NCP delivers a strategic blow to Shinde Sena by inducting Eknath Shinde's nephew.