the outcome of the Thane Lok Sabha elections will be decided by a ‘bow and arrow’.

The statement by Kesarkar comes at a crucial juncture as both parties vie for supremacy in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. A gathering of Shiv Sena office bearers convened in Airoli on April 1st, where Kesarkar emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections and rallied support from party workers. The event saw the presence of prominent Shiv Sena leaders including Vijay Nahata, District Chief Vijay Chaugule, Kishore Patkar, and Shivram Patil.

The Thane Lok Sabha constituency holds immense significance, particularly for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with the BJP laying claim to it this year. The party is exploring various potential candidates, with former MP Sanjeev Naik emerging as a frontrunner. However, the delay in announcing the candidate by the Mahayuti has fuelled speculation and intensified the internal strife within the coalition.

Shiv Sena has historically dominated the Thane Lok Sabha seat since 1999. Nevertheless, the presence of three BJP MLAs in the constituency, along with independent MLA Gita Jain's alignment with the BJP, has bolstered the BJP's claim over the area. Reports suggest that local Sena leaders harbour reservations regarding Sanjeev Naik's candidature, further complicating the situation.