Neela Desai, Shiv Sena UBT’s first woman MLA, died of a heart attack at around 10 pm on Friday, January 16. Desai was a senior leader from the old guard of the Shiv Sena. At a time when women’s participation in politics was limited, Balasaheb Thackeray placed his trust in her, paving the way for her to become the party’s first woman MLA. She had also served as a member of the Legislative Council.
Shortly after the municipal election results were announced, Desai suddenly suffered a heart attack and died before she could receive medical treatment. Her death has come as a double blow to the Shiv Sena UBT. Her last rites will be performed today at 12 noon. Senior Shiv Sena leaders and office bearers are expected to attend the ceremony.
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Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena UBT has suffered a major setback in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. After dominating Mumbai’s civic body for nearly 25 years, the party faced defeat this year, managing to win only 65 seats, while the BJP emerged as the largest party.