Tensions escalated in Jogeshwari East amidst Maharashtra’s assembly election campaigns, as clashes erupted between Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters. Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that MP Ravindra Waikar’s Matoshree Club located on Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road was being used as a base to distribute cash in support of Waikar’s wife, Manisha Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for the constituency. The opposing candidate from Shiv Sena (UBT) is Anant Nar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab claimed that the Matoshree Club, originally developed on Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) amenities had become a center for these alleged distributions.
“Despite our complaints, no action has been taken. When our members went to address this issue last night, Shiv Sena supporters retaliated by throwing stones and sticks. Instead of intervening, the police lathi-charged us,” Parab alleged.
Further claims by Parab suggest that individuals on parole and bail were participating in the cash distribution. “Waikar’s daughter was reportedly involved, and our members tried to intercept her. Four of our supporters were injured, but police have not acted on our complaints,” he said adding plans to approach the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, S. Chokalingam.
Countering these allegations, Waikar stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) members assaulted women during the confrontation and alleged threats by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Amit Pednekar. Waikar also claimed that many people in the crowd outside Matoshree Club were intoxicated, fueling the tensions.
As the electoral battle intensifies in Maharashtra, accusations from both sides have stirred significant unrest in Jogeshwari East spotlighting growing rivalries and allegations within the Shiv Sena factions.
