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?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.