In a significant political development, former Gondia MLA Ramesh Kuthe has rejoined the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction, marking his return to the party he left for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019. The formal entry into Shiv Sena was announced today at a ceremony held at Matoshree, the residence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Ramesh Kuthe, a two-time Shiv Sena MLA who served in 1995 and 1999, had previously departed from the party and aligned himself with the BJP. His departure was driven by dissatisfaction over being denied an assembly ticket and subsequent rejection of his son?s candidacy for the Zilla Parishad Chairman position. Kuthe?s son later won as an independent candidate.

Reflecting on his return, Kuthe criticized the BJP leadership, particularly state BJP chief Chandrasekhar Bawankule, alleging that the party had misled him. ?The BJP has made me a fool since 2018,? Kuthe stated. He recounted a February 2024 meeting where Bawankule assured him of a large influx of supporters, only to be disappointed by the party?s indifference.

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Kuthe?s return to Shiv Sena comes at a strategic time as the party prepares for upcoming assembly elections in Vidarbha. Shiv Sena leader Bhaskar Jadhav, who recently conducted a review of various constituencies in the region, has predicted that the Shiv Sena could emerge as the largest party in Vidarbha. This prediction is bolstered by the recent addition of Kuthe, signaling the party?s intent to strengthen its foothold in the area.

At the party entry event, Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Kuthe back into the Shiv Sena fold, acknowledging his previous contributions and the potential boost his return offers to the party?s prospects in Vidarbha. Kuthe, in turn, expressed confidence in securing an assembly ticket for himself and reaffirmed his commitment to the Shiv Sena?s goals.