Two MLAs from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp, who supported him during the rebellion against former CM Uddhav Thackeray, are reportedly upset as their candidatures, like those of other sitting MLAs, have not been announced in the first list. According to Sena sources, the names of Dr Balaji Kinikar (Ambernath Assembly constituency) and Vishwanath Bhoir (Kalyan West Assembly constituency) are on hold due to local opposition.

The Shinde-led Shiv Sena announced a list of 45 candidates on Tuesday, but two sitting MLAs from Thane district were excluded. Dr Balaji Kinikar, a three-time MLA from Ambernath, is facing opposition from an internal group within the local Shiv Sena, who claim he does not involve other members in party activities. When contacted by mid-day, Dr Kinikar said, “This is just the first list. The second list will be published on Thursday. I am confident about getting the ticket. My leader has assured me of this.”