Shiv Sena-UBT–MNS Alliance Crushed in BEST Credit Society Polls, BJP Sweeps 14 Seats

Mumbai: The much-publicized alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) suffered a humiliating defeat on Wednesday, losing all 21 seats in the BEST Employees Cooperative Credit Society Ltd. elections. The two parties had contested together amid speculation of a possible pan-Maharashtra political alliance, but the results have dealt a major blow to their political ambitions.

The vote counting, which began on Tuesday and continued overnight, saw the rival panel led by BJP member Shashank Rao emerge victorious, securing 14 seats out of 21. The UBT-MNS alliance had fielded a combined panel named ‘Utkarsh,’ with 18 candidates from UBT, two from MNS, and one from the Association of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which had allied with them.

Earlier, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande alleged that voters were being influenced with money, highlighting tensions during the campaign. Meanwhile, UBT leaders had framed the election as an opportunity to showcase the unity and clout of their newly formed alliance.

However, BJP leaders were quick to ridicule the Sena-led alliance. “The Thackeray brand has turned to zero. Not a single seat was won,” tweeted Shashank Rao. He further stated that the victory represented a rejection of the “anti-worker policies” of the Sena (UBT) panel, emphasizing BJP’s support for BEST employees.

BJP MLC Prasad Lad had also announced the ‘Sahakar Samruddhi’ panel for the elections, which proved successful. BJP’s leadership, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, were credited by party sources for backing the workers and ensuring a landslide outcome.