In a major setback to the citizens’ candidate movement, Mumbai 227 candidate Neelima Thakur is now an official candidate of the Sena-BJP-RPI.Neelima Thakur was one of the candidates whose names featured in the first list issued by Mumbai 227, a citizens’ candidate party.On Friday, residents of ward 97 (Lilavati Hospital to Bandra Bus Terminus) got pamphlets  which had Sena-BJP-RPI symbols on it and boldly claimed that Thakur was supported by the saffron alliance. “Our official candidate from RPI was disqualified after his caste certificate documents were rejected. Since we did not have any scope to field our own candidate at the last minute, we started scanning details of Independents in the area. Thakur was a clear choice as she is a capable candidate,” said Ashish Shelar, a sitting corporator from Bandra and senior BJP leader.Shelar said he convinced Thakur to accept the party’s backing. “It is a landmark achievement for the party which is the first to support citizens’ candidate in the polls,” said Shelar, who campaigned for Thakur on Friday.Vidya Vaidya, a key functionary of Mumbai 227, refused to comment. Santosh Awatramani, spokesperson for the Mumbai 227, said there were a lot of pressure tactics on the Independents.

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“We still have to talk to her as we heard of the news now.” A member of Mumbai 227 said the organisation might take action against Thakur if they find any intention of joining a political party.