Former Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam joins Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena along with his wife and daughter

Having been expelled from Congress last month for “anti-party activities”, former MP Sanjay Nirupam, along with his wife Geeta and daughter Shivani, joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in Thane on Friday.

For the 59-year-old leader, this move symbolises a full-circle return to his political roots, rejoining his ‘alma mater’ Shiv Sena nearly two decades after leaving the party that served as his political launchpad in the country’s financial capital.

“After 20 years, rejoining Shiv Sena feels like a ‘ghar wapasi’ (homecoming)... You are well aware of the current situation within the Congress,” Mr. Nirupam said.