After Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray submitted his nomination from Worli Assembly Constituency, the MNS announced Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora as their candidate, setting up a Sena versus Sena battle. This is a significant shift from the Shiv Sena's stronghold in Worli, which has been a Thackeray family stronghold for decades. With MNS candidate Sandeep Deshpande also in the mix, there is speculation of a split in Maratha votes, which could affect the Shiv Sena's victory chances in the upcoming assembly election. While Shiv Sena justifies their low majority in Worli in the recent Lok Sabha polls to overconfidence, the change in political equations is evident with MNS chief Raj Thackeray's decision to not field a candidate against Aaditya Thackeray in 2019.
Milind Deora: From Congress Stalwart to MNS Candidate in Worli
The political landscape of Worli Assembly Constituency has witnessed a dramatic shift with the announcement of Milind Deora as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate. This move sets the stage for a fierce "Sena versus Sena" battle between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, signaling a significant departure from the constituency's longstanding Thackeray family stronghold.
Political Background:
Milind Deora, a prominent politician from the Indian National Congress, served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mumbai South from 2004 to 2019. He held ministerial positions such as Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology from 2006 to 2009 and Minister of State for Shipping from 2009 to 2011.
In 2019, Deora lost his Lok Sabha seat to Shiv Sena candidate Arvind Sawant. Subsequently, he left the Congress in 2021, citing a "drift" within the party.
MNS's Worli Gamble:
The MNS's decision to field Deora as its candidate in Worli is a strategic move to tap into the constituency's Marathi population. Worli has traditionally been a stronghold of the Shiv Sena, with the Thackeray family enjoying immense popularity among the Maratha voters.
By fielding Deora, a well-known and respected politician, the MNS aims to split the Maratha vote and dent the Shiv Sena's chances of victory.
Sena Response:
The Shiv Sena, led by Aaditya Thackeray, has justified its low majority in Worli in the recent Lok Sabha polls to overconfidence. However, the change in political equations is evident with the MNS chief Raj Thackeray's decision to field a candidate against Aaditya in 2023.
Potential Impact:
The Sena versus Sena battle in Worli is expected to be fiercely contested. The presence of MNS candidate Sandeep Deshpande further complicates the electoral math and raises the possibility of a split in Maratha votes.
This development has the potential to affect the Shiv Sena's victory chances in the upcoming assembly election. A victory for either the MNS or the Sena (UBT) would mark a significant shift in the political dynamics of Worli.
Top 5 FAQs
Who is Milind Deora?
Why is the MNS fielding a candidate in Worli?
Who is the Shiv Sena candidate in Worli?
Is there a split in Maratha votes in Worli?
What are the implications of the Sena versus Sena battle in Worli?
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has filed his nomination papers for the upcoming state assembly election from the Nagpur South-West seat. In a show of support, Fadnavis was joined by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and held a road show in Nagpur ahead of filing his nomination. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis expressed his gratitude to top party leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for showing trust in him. He also stated that their main aim is to continue the development that has been achieved under the current government.
The Rajasthan High Court has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to justify a rule that allows elected members of State Bar Councils to continue in office beyond the prescribed term. The Court has raised concerns about the rule violating the provisions of the Advocates Act, and will consider interim relief for the petitioner in the next hearing. The petitioner argues that the amended rule goes beyond what is permitted by the parent statute, while the BCI maintains that the extension is necessary in case of delayed bar elections.
BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis filed his nomination today from the Nagpur South West constituency, with a strong show of support from senior party leaders. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP Maharashtra President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and other leaders were present to back Fadnavis. His rally, which witnessed a traditional aarti performed by his wife, also received blessings from his mother and Naga sadhus from Uttarakhand. With thousands of supporters and family support, Fadnavis expressed confidence in securing his sixth victory in the upcoming elections.
Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra expressed his happiness at her decision to enter the electoral battle from Wayanad, saying that she would work hard for herself and for the people. He also praised Priyanka's dedication towards her family and the country. Vadra also addressed his own political prospects, stating that he would make a decision if the people wanted him to enter active politics. Priyanka's massive roadshow in Kalpetta and her filing of nominations for the bypoll were also highlighted.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has filed his nomination from Nagpur South West constituency for the upcoming Assembly polls. This will be the fifth time Fadnavis is contesting from this constituency. With the BJP facing a tough competition in the region, Fadnavis is banking on his track record of development-oriented politics to secure a victory. However, Congress's Praful Gudadhe is also expected to give a tough fight in the elections, as the BJP suffered a decline in votes in this constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Despite this, Fadnavis remains confident, while Congress sees this as an opportunity to make a comeback in the region. In the last Assembly elections, Fadnavis had defeated Gudadhe in a multi-cornered contest.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is filled with controversy as posters giving credit to Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the encounter killing of a suspect in a child sexual assault case have surfaced in various parts of the state. While BJP has denied any involvement in the posters, the Shiv Sena, who is in power with BJP in the state, has openly celebrated and taken credit for the encounter. As the battle for credit and power continues, the local municipality has removed the posters of Fadnavis, causing backlash and calls for an inquiry from BJP members.
Amid seat-sharing negotiations and political alliances in Maharashtra, the state is witnessing yet another political family passing down its legacy. Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Congress MLA Baba Siddique, has joined the NCP and has been announced as their candidate from Bandra East. He is set to face off against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Varun Sardesai, who also comes from a notable political family. Meanwhile, in a separate development, former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has arrived in Jaipur to discuss seat sharing and alliances.
Amid speculation of stepping aside for his younger son, NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be contesting the upcoming Assembly election from Baramati constituency, which is considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. The NCP, in alliance with BJP and Shiv Sena, announced its first list of 38 candidates, including 26 sitting MLAs. Ajit Pawar is expected to face a challenge from his nephew, Yugendra Pawar, who is contesting from NCP (SP).
After decades of campaigning for her party colleagues and family members, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be making her electoral debut in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by contesting as the UDF candidate from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala. Accompanied by her brother and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka filed her nomination with gratitude towards Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. This decision was made after Rahul resigned from his other seat in the 2024 elections, with Wayanad having previously saved his electoral defeat to Smriti Irani in Amethi in 2019.