Shiv Sena (UBT) sweeps Mumbai University senate polls

The clean sweep by Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Mumbai University senate polls is just the beginning and such a victory has to be replicated in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, Aaditya Thackeray said on Saturday.

The Yuva Sena, which is headed by Thackeray and is the youth wing of the Shiv Sena (UBT), swept the senate polls and won all 10 graduate seats, convincingly defeating the RSS-led Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

Aaditya Thackeray addressed jubilant party workers outside Matoshree, the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. He said voting for senate polls was not only held in Mumbai, but also neighbouring districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad as well south Konkan districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, which shows the influence of the party.

"We have shown what victory is. This is the start. We have to register a similar victory in the Vidhan Sabha," he said.

The victory reflects the trust reposed by graduates in former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, the Worli MLA added. He also announced that a helpline will be established for students and graduates.

The senate is the highest elected decision-making body and watchdog of Mumbai University with representatives of teachers, principals and college managements as well as registered graduates. It is empowered to pass the university's budget.

The results, which came ahead of the state Assembly polls that are likely to be held in November, were not surprising as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab had registered victory from the Mumbai Graduates constituency in the Maharashtra legislative council (MLC) polls held in July.

Yuva Sena leaders such as Varun Sardesai, who is Aaditya’s cousin, could be seen celebrating at Matoshree. Aaditya Thackeray also joined the victory celebrations briefly.