Pune: Former corporator Vasant More, who had joined the Vanchit Vikas Aghadi just before the Lok Sabha elections after leaving the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), is now set to join the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction. More began his political career with the Shiv Sena, becoming the first 'Shakha Pramukh' of Katraj.
On July 4 afternoon, More met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai. More expressed his appreciation for Thackeray’s decision, stating that Thackeray welcomed him warmly.
During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to Katraj and Hadapsar, as well as broader problems facing Pune city. More announced that he would officially join the Shiv Sena at Matoshree in Mumbai on July 9, along with all his supporters. He expressed joy at returning to his original party.
Known for his fiery personality, More had left Shiv Sena alongside Raj Thackeray. He was subsequently elected as a corporator from Katraj twice under the MNS banner and served as the group leader and city president. However, disagreements with local MNS officials arose, partly due to his social media presence.
Raj Thackeray had advised More to be cautious with his social media use. Following local officials' recommendations against contesting the Lok Sabha elections, More left the MNS.
More then joined the Vanchit Vikas Party and contested the Pune Lok Sabha seat but was disappointed with the election results. This led him to decide to join Shiv Sena. Although he insists his move is not driven by self-interest, there is speculation that he may contest the assembly elections from Hadapsar or Khadakwasla.
"There is no political self-interest behind my decision to join Shiv Sena. I believe Shiv Sena is the right party to address the issues in my area. I am impressed by Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership during political crises," said Vasant More, former corporator.
