Eknath Shinde (deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena chief) has successfully inducted Bacchu Kadu, a prominent peasant leader, into the Shiv Sena as part of his strategy to expand the party's influence in Vidarbha, a region traditionally dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kadu is likely to be elected unopposed for a legislative council seat due to a lack of competing nominations. This marks a significant return for Kadu, who began his political career with Shiv Sena in 1996-97 before forming his own party, the Prahar Janshakti Party, which won two assembly seats in 2019. Despite losing in the 2024 elections, Kadu has remained active in advocating for farmer rights. Shinde emphasized that Kadu's grassroots activism and social struggles have pushed governments to make important decisions, such as the recent ₹35,000-crore loan waiver scheme for farmers. Kadu stated that the merger with Shiv Sena is ideologically driven, aiming to enhance support for marginalized communities. Meanwhile, Shinde has nominated Neelam Gorhe for another council seat, further solidifying his leadership within the party.