In a major setback to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, influential young leader Dipesh Mhatre from Dombivli has joined the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Mhatre, who was an office bearer in Yuva Sena, is likely to contest the upcoming assembly elections against PWD minister Ravindra Chavan of the BJP. This move by Mhatre marks the first instance of a revolt in Shinde's home district and could create tension between the Shiv Sena and BJP in Kalyan and Dombivli. Additionally, Mhatre's joining also signals a growing trend of local leaders shifting their political allegiance ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.