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The move has dealt a blow to the NCP (SP) at a time when discussions were underway over its possible electoral understanding in Mumbai.
Rakhee Jadhav formally joined the saffron party in the presence of BJP MLA Parag Shah. (PTI)
In another setback to the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP), the party’s Mumbai unit chief Rakhee Jadhav on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Jadhav formally joined the saffron party in the presence of BJP MLA Parag Shah, and is likely to contest on the ruling party’s ticket from Ghatkopar.
PHOTO | NCP (SP) Mumbai President Rakhee Jadhav joins BJP ahead of BMC elections in the presence of BJP MLA Parag Shah.(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/ImhvC65rcZ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 29, 2025
Jadhav was appointed Mumbai president of NCP (SP) after former minister Nawab Malik left Sharad Pawar’s camp and joined Ajit Pawar. During a difficult phase for the party, Jadhav played a key role in strengthening its organisation in Mumbai. However, following dissatisfaction over seat-sharing, she decided to part ways, sources close to her said.
The move has dealt a blow to the NCP (SP) at a time when discussions were underway over its possible electoral understanding in Mumbai.
After joining the BJP, Jadhav said that development work is being carried out in Mumbai city under the leadership of the BJP and she expected that Ghatkopar would also be developed on same lines.
“The development of my constituency is expected. In the same way that development work is being carried out in Mumbai city under the leadership of the BJP, I am very hopeful that my constituency will also see progress… Today, in the presence of Pravin Darekar, and Ashish Shelar, I have formally joined the party…” she said as quoted by news agency IANS.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On joining BJP, Former NCP (SP) leader Rakhee Jadhav says, “The development of my constituency is expected. In the same way that development work is being carried out in Mumbai city under the leadership of the BJP, I am very hopeful that my constituency will… pic.twitter.com/JxfHFzTSzl— IANS (@ians_india) December 29, 2025
Political circles had been abuzz over the alliance options before the NCP (SP) in the civic polls, with the Uddhav Thackeray-Raj Thackeray combine and the Congress being the two possibilities. However, even as talks on an alliance were on, the BJP inducted Jadhav, widening the cracks in the party during the election season.
A three-time corporator from Ghatkopar, Jadhav had also served as leader of the NCP group in the civic body and is considered close to MP Supriya Sule.
Her switch to the BJP is seen as a significant dent to the prospects of the NCP (SP) in Mumbai.
(With inputs from agencies)
December 29, 2025, 20:14 IST
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