Sushma Andhare Urges Shiv Sainiks to Unite Behind Sunil Modi

October 14, 2026 Editor

Calls on party workers to fight Pune Graduate Constituency election with determination; stresses students’ issues and organisational strength

Pimpri : Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) deputy leader Sushma Andhare on Wednesday called upon party workers to unite and actively campaign for the party’s candidate, Sunil Jabarchand Modi, in the Pune Graduate Constituency election.

“Do not remain confused over the Maha Vikas Aghadi. This election must be fought with self-respect. Uddhav Thackeray has nominated Sunil Modi, and every Shiv Sainik must now work sincerely for his victory,” Andhare said.

She was addressing a meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers from Pimpri-Chinchwad, organised at a hotel in Pimpri as part of Modi’s election campaign. City chief Chetan Pawar, former MLA Gautam Chabukswar, candidate Sunil Jabarchand Modi, Romi Sandhu, party spokesperson Raosaheb Thorat and a large number of party workers attended the meeting.

Shiv Sainiks are not weak, but committed’

Andhare said “Shiv Sainiks are committed and honest. They have a strong grassroots presence and are connected with people.” She also stressed that political activity should not be restricted to Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Party workers, must participate actively in elections to market committees, panchayat samitis and cooperative banks as well. Acknowledging the complexity of the graduate constituency election process, Andhare said systematic planning and direct communication with voters would be crucial to the campaign.

Students’ issues must reach the legislature

Andhare emphasised the need to raise students’ concerns inside legislative forums rather than limiting the struggle to street protests. She referred to issues concerning scholarships, hostel facilities, recruitment and other problems faced by students at Savitribai Phule Pune University. “My fight is continuing outside the legislature, but these issues must also be raised inside it.” Electing a representative committed to students’ concerns was essential to ensuring their voices were heard.

Criticises thosein power, highlights youth’s role

Taking aim at the ruling establishment, Andhare said young people had challenged the arrogance of those in power even when senior political leaders were reluctant to speak out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She stressed that students’ concerns, difficulties in education and the aspirations of young people needed to become central to political discourse.

Senate election success on ballot papers

Referring to university Senate elections in Mumbai, where voting was conducted using ballot papers, Andhare said the party’s success in those elections offered an example for workers. Consistent efforts, careful planning, voter outreach and organisational unity were equally important. “Every battle is first won in the mind and then fought on the battlefield,” she said, urging party workers to demonstrate their commitment by working collectively for Modi’s victory.

“I am determined to work to make Shiv Sainiks across five districts hold their heads high with pride. This is my firm commitment to Matoshri.”