Thackeray Loyalist Anil Kokil Joins Shinde Faction; Senior Shiv Sainik Burns Gifts in Rage

• Former corporator Anil Kokil, a long-time Thackeray loyalist, joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.
• Kokil's defection occurred in Lalbaug Parel, a traditional Thackeray stronghold, causing a major setback for Uddhav Thackeray.
• He switched parties after Uddhav Thackeray denied him candidacy from Ward No. 204, nominating Kiran Tawade instead.
• A senior Shiv Sainik protested Kokil's move by burning items gifted by him, calling Kokil a "traitor."
• The move sets up an intense electoral battle in Lalbaug between Kiran Tawade (Uddhav Sena) and Anil Kokil (Shinde Sena).

Why It Matters: Anil Kokil's defection to Shinde Sena sparks outrage and sets up a fierce electoral contest in Lalbaug.