At Shiv Sena’s membership drive, freebies up for grabs

Shiv Sena’s shakhas in the city have left no stone unturned to woo the masses.

Shiv Sena’s shakhas (local units) in the city have left no stone unturned to woo the masses. From distribution of free fruit to bedsheets and foodgrains, they are doling out freebies to pull in new members as a part of a two-week membership drive that began on Wednesday.

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The drive, which began on the birth anniversary of Meenatai Thackeray, started with Sena chief Bal Thackeray and party executive president Uddhav Thackeray registering as primary party members at their Bandra home.

The drive will end on January 23, the birthday of Sena chief.

Various programmes like blood donation drive and social functions are being held to connect with the masses.

A shakha leader in Parel is distributing 100 kg of wheat and rice to blind school students. A Sena unit in Kalyan distributed saris, while the one at Panvel started an ambulance service.

“It’s about getting people together under the Sena banner. This will not only give them a sense of belonging, but also a sense of doing something for the community. The party will also get goodwill,” a leader said, requesting anonymity.

“The membership drive is getting an unexpected response,” said party spokesperson and MLA Subhash Desai.

Thackeray, who completes 84 years this year, will meet local party leaders to strike a cord at grassroots level after the party’s worst defeat in the last two decades.