In a surprising development on Friday, senior politician Krishna Hegde joined the Shiv Sena on Friday night. Hegde was the Mumbai BJP unit vice president.
Hegde was welcomed into the Shiv Sena by its president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
An excellent organiser, Hegde's quitting BJP and joining Shiv Sena assumes importance in view of the 2022 polls to BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.
Recently, he was in the news when he came to the rescue of social justice minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who was accused of rape by a Mumbai-based singer. Hegde had said that the women had in the past attempted to honey-trap him.
The former BJP leader would be helpful for Shiv Sena in Mumbai Suburbs as he successfully handled 2004 Lok Sabha election of former Union Minister Sunil Dutt. He also successfully handled 2005 and 2009 Lok Sabha election of Priya Dutt.
He is the first South Indian face to join Sena. He is the President of Kamgar Seva Sangh - Union of Rickshaw drivers and Taxi Drivers in Mumbai Suburbs. He is the son-in-law of former Sena MLA and Mayor Dr Ramesh Prabhoo.
His wife Leena Prabhoo is the granddaughter of former Governor Ganpatrao Tapase.
Shiv Sena strategist and Minister Anil Parab and Yuva Sena Secretary Varun Sardesai had detailed round of talks with Hegde. "I was impressed by Uddhav Thackeray ji's handling of the Covid-19 crises and how he guided Maharashtra in a difficult time. I will work hard for the Sena and ensure that the saffron flag flies over BMC headquarters yet again," said Hegde.
Published 05 February 2021, 15:55 IST