Thackeray Faction Faces First Blow: Dr. Sarita Mhaske Absent, Rumored to Join Shinde Sena

• Dr. Sarita Mhaske, a newly elected corporator from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, is unreachable and skipped a crucial party meeting.
• Her absence is seen as the first major setback for the Thackeray faction in Mumbai, reducing their corporator count to 64.
• Political circles are abuzz with rumors that Dr. Mhaske is in contact with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.
• Dr. Mhaske, a homeopathic doctor, won from Ward No. 157, defeating BJP's Asha Tayade, and is known for her community work and activism.
• The Shiv Sena Thackeray faction has initiated disqualification proceedings against Dr. Sarita Mhaske due to her non-compliance.

Why It Matters: Dr. Sarita Mhaske's disappearance and rumored defection signal a significant challenge for the Thackeray faction.