Geeta Gawli, Daughter Of Underworld Don, Likely To Contest Byculla Elections On Shiv Sena (UBT) Ticket

Former Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) corporator Geeta Gawli is considering running for the upcoming assembly elections from the Byculla constituency as a candidate for the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (UBT). According to a report by Hindustan Times, Milind Narvekar, the personal secretary to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, visited Geeta and her mother, Asha, at their home two days ago to discuss this potential candidacy.

Geeta Gawli is the daughter of Arun Gawli, a well-known figure with a controversial past as a former underworld don. A senior leader from Shiv Sena (UBT) stated, "Geeta sought Shiv Sena (UBT) support, but we want her to join our party." This reflects the party's interest in having her on board, especially given her previous experience as a corporator and her established support base in the area.

In the 2014 assembly elections, Geeta Gawli faced AIMIM candidate Waris Pathan, losing by a narrow margin of 4,419 votes. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader noted that if she runs as a candidate for the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), her chances of winning could improve significantly. Although Geeta contested the assembly elections in both 2014 and 2019, she was unable to secure a victory. In 2019, while she was still a candidate, the Shiv Sena fielded Yamini Jadhav, who ultimately defeated Waris Pathan and won the election. In that election, Geeta managed to obtain only 10,493 votes.

Currently, the situation is dynamic within the Shiv Sena ranks. Yamini Jadhav has since joined the Shinde faction, and her husband, Yashwant Jadhav, who is a former civic standing committee chairman, is expected to contest the assembly elections in her place. This shift has prompted Shiv Sena (UBT) to seek a new candidate for the Byculla constituency, making Geeta's potential candidacy timely and relevant.

Arun Gawli's political journey began when he formed the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABS) while incarcerated in Nagpur for his involvement in the 2008 murder of Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. Gawli was elected to the state assembly from the Chinchpokli constituency in the 2004 assembly elections. Following the delimitation process, this constituency was restructured, leading to the creation of the Byculla constituency.

As the assembly elections approach, all eyes will be on Geeta Gawli to see if she officially joins the Shiv Sena (UBT) and enters the electoral race in Byculla. Her past experiences and connections could play a significant role in her political future.