This surprising move has sparked a wave of speculation regarding discontent within party ranks in the Airoli constituency. Among the prominent figures leading this defection is BJP minority leader Advocate Jabbar Khan, who has joined forces with former corporators Ramdas Pawale and Vijayanand Mane.

Adding to the growing wave of support for Chougule is Madhukar Raut, a department head and father of former corporator Meghali Raut. These influential leaders, once steadfast party loyalists, have openly backed Chougule, citing the need for a fresh alternative in Airoli.The shift has turned heads across political circles, with observers noting the potential impact on the BJP’s voter base in the area. The open endorsement from respected former party members is expected to bolster Chougule’s campaign, presenting him as a formidable contender and reshaping the dynamics in Airoli ahead of election day.

However, all is not well in the Shiv Sena as top leaders have rebelled in both the constituencies. After its top leader Vijay Nahata quit to contest as an independent in Belapur, City Chief Vijay Chougule is set to contest against BJP MLA Ganesh Naik in Airoli.

Vijay Chougule Airoli Constituency City Chief

Explaining to GPN about his decision to contest as an independent candidate, Vijay Chougule, who filed his nomination papers on Tuesday with Pressure Cooker as his Party Symbol, said, “I have repeatedly said that we cannot campaign for Ganesh Naik who has always been against us and our leader.” Stating that he will not resign from his post, Chougule said, “If the party wants to sack me, it can do so. Why should we be the only ones to follow the alliance discipline?”

Commenting on the rebellion in the party, Shiv Sena city coordinator, Kishore Patkar, said, “We have learned of Chougule’s decision. Our next course of action will depend on what chief minister Eknath Shinde instructs us about Airoli. In Belapur, we are, of course, supporting BJP’s Manda Mhatre, who is our Mahayuti candidate.”

Kishore Patkar, city party coordinator, further said, “Both Nahata and Chougule are key leaders of the party in Navi Mumbai. The CM can resolve the issue.” Adding to his stand, Chougule said, “I helped Ganesh Naik during the last assembly election to provide him a huge lead where he won the Airoli seat, but he never supported us. We need at least one seat. We will not work for Naik’s if they are given the tickets as Mahayuti candidates. The CM is busy now and he has asked for time to address the issue. Our party workers are unhappy with the Naik’s.” Chougule added that he would not join any other party and would certainly contest the election as an Independent Candidate.

MNS city leader Gajanan Kale also filed his nomination from Belapur while Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate MK Madhavi filed from Airoli constituency. In Panvel, three-time MLA Prashant Thakur filed his nomination from the BJP.