THANE: In a high-stakes move ahead of the January 15 civic polls, Thane’s political landscape has been firmly claimed by the “old guard”. A detailed analysis of candidate lists released by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP and the NCP shows a strong continuity strategy, with as many as 29 veteran candidates securing re-nomination across 11 key wards in Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva and Naupada–Kopri.By fielding mostly familiar faces in politically sensitive areas such as Naupada, Kalwa–Mumbra and Diva, major parties have clearly prioritised electability over experimentation. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties have adopted a safety-first approach, banking on tried-and-tested corporators to protect party strongholds in a volatile electoral environment.Experience has emerged as the key currency in the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections. With micro-ward calculations expected to play a decisive role, parties such as the Shiv Sena have leaned heavily on incumbents who enjoy deep-rooted local influence. The decision to re-nominate 29 sitting corporators is seen as a calculated tactical move aimed at minimising electoral risk.Political observers pointed out that sitting corporators enjoy a clear hyper-local advantage that first-time candidates cannot replicate in a single campaign cycle. As the primary link between residents and the civic administration, these veterans have handled everyday ward-level issues such as water supply, sanitation, roads and drainage. By opting for continuity, parties have effectively leveraged what insiders describe as “incumbency stability”.The city’s traditional power centre of Naupada–Kopri saw the highest concentration of returning veterans. In Ward 21, the BJP re-fielded its entire panel — Sanjay Waghule, Madhavi Rajesh, Mrunal Pendse and Sunesh Joshi. Nearby, Wards 20 and 22 featured a mix of Shiv Sena and BJP veterans, including Malati Patil, Namrata Pamnani and Bharat Chavan in Kopri, and Sudhir Kokate in Jambhli Naka. The cluster was completed by Ward 19, where Shiv Sena stalwarts Minal Sankhe, Namrata Bhosale and Vikas Repale were re-nominated.Kalwa once again emerged as a zone of high-profile political contest and strategic recalibration. In Ward 23A, Milind Patil and Aparna Salvi are leading the Shiv Sena’s campaign alongside veteran Independent Pramila Keni and her son Mandar Keni, who has been nominated on a Sena ticket.In contrast, the NCP (SP) opted to field new candidates. Abhijeet Pawar is contesting from Ward 9 on an NCP (SP) ticket, alongside Ganesh Kamble and Anita Gauri. Ward 24 saw the return of veteran corporators Aarti Gaikwad and Priyanka Patil, both re-fielded by their respective parties.In the Diva suburbs, the Shiv Sena is banking on its local strongholds by re-nominating Shailesh Patil (Ward 27A) and Deepak Jadhav (Ward 28A), along with Darshana Mhatre and Babaji Patil.As Thane heads towards polling day, the message from party headquarters is clear: in a closely fought civic contest, experience, familiarity and local recall are being trusted to hold the line.
