Former MLA Dagdu Sakpal, a long-time loyalist of Uddhav Thackeray, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Sakpal, who represented Mumbai's Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt for multiple terms, a traditional Thackeray stronghold, made the switch ahead of the Mumbai civic body polls. This move is seen as a boost for Shinde's efforts to gain influence in the area, despite Ajay Choudhari currently holding the seat. Elections for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, are scheduled for January 15.