KALYAN: In a move aimed at strengthening its outreach among the business community, the Shiv Sena has appointed former Congress leader and prominent businessman Vimal Thakkar as president of its Traders’ Cell for Kalyan city.Party leaders said the appointment is part of a broader strategy to expand the organisation’s presence among traders and entrepreneurs under the leadership of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.Following his appointment, Thakkar expressed gratitude to the party leadership and said he would work towards addressing issues faced by traders while strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level. In a statement, he credited the guidance of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde and district chief Gopal Landge for entrusting him with the responsibility.Thakkar is a familiar face in Kalyan’s political and business circles. He was associated with the Congress for several years and had served as the president of the Kalyan City Congress unit. However, he alongwith former Kalyan District President of Congress Sachin Pote switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) last year, citing the development initiatives undertaken by the state government and various development projects implemented in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency under the leadership of MP Dr Shrikant Shinde.Political observers believe Thakkar’s appointment could help the Shiv Sena strengthen its connect with the trading community, particularly among Gujarati and Marwari businessmen who have traditionally been considered a strong support base of the BJP in the region.With his long-standing association with local business organisations and social activities, Thakkar is expected to play a key role in mobilising traders and expanding the party’s influence in commercial circles ahead of future electoral contests.Speaking after assuming charge, Thakkar said he would focus on resolving traders’ grievances, building a stronger network of business representatives and taking the party’s ideology and development agenda to every section of the trading community.
