Mangaluru: Karnataka and Maharashtra are often at loggerheads as far as border is concerned, but in a latest development, a Kannadiga has rose to power in Thane Municipal Corporation after the recent polls.

Meenakshi Shinde nee Poojary from Shiv Sena has become a proud Kannadiga to hold the position of the Mayor of Thane TMC.

Meenakshi is married to Maharashtrian Rajendra Shinde. She is the daughter of Late Guruvappa Kantappa Poojary from Katapadi and her mother hails from Chelyar in Surathkal.

Speaking to newskarnataka.com in Tulu fluently, Meenakshi says that she has deep connection with Surathkal despite having been born and brought up in Maharashtra.

Speaking about her priorities, Meenakshi said that making Thane ‘smartest’ under the ‘Smart city’ project is her aim. She says that having been elected for three consecutive terms from her constituency Manoramanagar has not just boosted her confidence, but has also given her in depth insight into the work that needs to be done in the TMC limits. With all the knowledge at hand, she says that she will plan her tenure as Mayor meticulously to do as much work as she can.

Shiv Sena had planted victory flag in 67 seats out of 131 wards in Thane Corporation limits leaving behind arch rivals National Congress Party and the BJP.

Dignitaries like Bharat Bank Chairman Jaya C Suvarna among others have congratulated Meenakshi for her victory.

Meenakshi is the proud mother of two daughters.