Karjat MLA Mahendra Thorve Accelerates Development In His Constituency

Although Shiv Sena achieved success in the Mumbai metropolitan area, its expansion in the adjoining Raigad district was initially somewhat slow.

The dominance of the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) in Raigad, its strong foundation, and later the influence of Sunil Tatkare representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), limited Shiv Sena's growth to some extent.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/thorvemahendra

However, with Bharat Sheth Gogawale's support, Shiv Sena gained momentum in the Mahad area, followed by public support in Alibaug. But in the Karjat-Khalapur region, Shiv Sena had to wait a considerable amount of time to have its representative elected.

Thorve's Start with Shiv Sena

Current Shiv Sena MLA Mahendra Thorve began his political journey with Shiv Sena. Through the party, he became a member of the Zilla Parishad and, in the early days, carried out numerous development works, strengthening his public support in the Karjat area. During the same period, the influence of the NCP was growing in Raigad district.

To counter the NCP's dominance, PWP leaders fielded Mahendra Thorve as a candidate from the Karjat-Khalapur assembly constituency. However, he narrowly lost. Later, he returned to Shiv Sena, and in 2019, the party nominated him as their candidate. Mahendra Thorve went on to defeat Suresh Lad, the NCP MLA who had won twice consecutively from the Karjat-Khalapur constituency, becoming Shiv Sena's MLA.

Support for Eknath Shinde

While the people of Maharashtra elected the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in 2019, Uddhav Thackeray broke the alliance at the last moment, joined with Congress and NCP, and assumed the role of Chief Minister. This decision did not sit well with many Shiv Sena MLAs, including Mahendra Thorve, who had entered the legislative assembly by opposing the Congress and NCP locally. Thorve supported Eknath Shinde's rebellion.

With Eknath Shinde becoming the Chief Minister and Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy Chief Minister, the Maha-Yuti (grand alliance) government was re-established in the state. Although some Uddhav Thackeray supporters expressed dissatisfaction in constituencies of MLAs who had sided with Shinde, this discontent was not particularly evident in the Karjat-Khalapur constituency. During his first term as MLA, Thorve initiated numerous development projects, leaving a lasting impact on his constituency.

52-Foot Vitthal Statue

The Karjat-Khalapur region has a large population of devotees belonging to the Warkari community. A majority of these devotees in Raigad district reside in this area. A 52-foot statue of Lord Vitthal, established by Mahendra Thorve along the banks of the Ulhas River, has become a beloved monument for the community. Additionally, the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial, developed at the Panchayat Samiti Karjat Road, attracts both tourists and historians.

Development of Karjat Chowk

Karjat Chowk Road is a significant area. With Thorve's initiative, a redevelopment project worth INR 90 crore has transformed the area, benefiting people travelling to Mumbai and Thane. This development will ease connectivity to these metropolitan areas and provide opportunities for local youth seeking employment.

Nanasahib Dharmadhikari Gateway

Dr. Shri Nanasahib Dharmadhikari is a revered figure for the people of Raigad and the surrounding regions. In his honour, a gateway has been built in Karjat, which serves as a tribute to him. This is an important development for the culturally proud people of Karjat and Raigad. Additionally, a new administrative building near the Karjat Police Grounds was established by Thorve's efforts, easing administrative operations and providing convenience to citizens.

Favourable Conditions for Maha-Yuti

Alongside development works, Mahendra Thorve is actively involved in the social and cultural events of the Karjat-Khalapur region. His family is also attentive to the Panchayat Samiti's activities. Although this is Thorve's first term as MLA, he has earned a solid reputation among the public through his dedicated work.

Previously, Shiv Sena's primary political battle was with the NCP. However, with the NCP now part of the Maha-Yuti, and efforts made by prominent leaders of all three alliance parties to establish the government, a Shiv Sena-NCP contest is unlikely in this election. With the weakened state of the PWP in the district, Thorve's supporters are confident of his victory from the Karjat-Khalapur constituency once again.