Uddhav Thackeray Suffers Blow in Lalbaug as Anil Kokil Joins Shinde Sena

• Former corporator Anil Kokil joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, dealing a blow to Uddhav Thackeray in his Lalbaug Parel stronghold.
• Kokil immediately received an AB form from Shinde Sena, setting up a direct contest against Uddhav Sena's Kiran Tawade in Ward No. 204.
• Kokil's defection stemmed from Uddhav Thackeray denying him candidature in Ward No. 204, choosing Tawade instead, leading to a feeling of injustice.
• The Lalbaug battle is expected to be intense, highlighting the split's impact on a traditional Shiv Sena Marathi-majority area.
• Another rebellion sees Vijay Indulkar filing an independent nomination against Shraddha Jadhav in Ward No. 202, citing similar grievances.

Why It Matters: Anil Kokil's defection to Shinde Sena and immediate candidature creates a high-stakes battle in Uddhav Thackeray's Lalbaug stronghold.