Family of BJP loyalist joins Shiv Sena

Mumbai: In an unexpected development for the BJP, the family of late party MP from Palghar, Chintaman Wanga, on Thursday, joined the Shiv Sena while accusing BJP of ignoring them. The Palghar by-election is due after the death of Chintaman Wanga and the Sena had been requesting party chief Uddhav Thackeray to contest the seat.

The Wanga family joined the Sena Thursday evening in the presence of Mr Thackeray. They claimed that the BJP had completely ignored them and not responded to their pleas.

On the occasion, Mr Thackeray said, “We have welcomed the Wanga family into the party. I have also been requested by local leaders to contest the by-poll. But I have not decided about the matter. I will talk to the leaders and take a call at the right time.”

While there was no comment from the BJP till late Thursday, sources said that the development was shocking for the party and its top brass because Wanga was a long-time BJP loyalist and his family joining the Sena was unexpected.