Pimpri: BJP youth leader from Bhosari, former corporator Ravi Landge entered the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the presence of party President Uddhav Thackeray. This has made the State Assembly battle interesting in the Bhosari Assembly constituency.

Thackeray said, “We want to contest the Pimpri, Bhosari and Chinchwad seats. All of us will work together for whoever gets the candidature.”

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has started preparing in the three constituencies in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that Bhosari is the party’s citadel and they are trying to get the seat for the party. Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, former corporator Dhananjay Alhat were present.

Ravi Landge is the nephew of the late Ankush Landge, who helped the BJP to take roots in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He is the son of the late opposition leader Babasaheb Landge. 

Mahesh Landge would now find it tough in the assembly polls. Ravi Landge was in touch with Ajit Pawar after resigning from the primary membership of the BJP two years ago. He campaigned for the NCP (AP) during the Lok Sabha poll. However, it was clear that he would not get the party ticket from the Maha Yuti for the assembly poll. Therefore, he decided to join the MVA.

Ajit Gavhane has already left the NCP (AP) and joined the rival faction. He is a strong contender from the NCP (SP). Ravi Landge has considered the possibility that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would get the seat in the MVA and joined the party at Matoshree in Mumbai on Tuesday.