Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Shiv Sena released a list of 65 candidates, including Kedar Dighe, the nephew of late party leader Anand Dighe, who will challenge current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat. The party also signaled Shinde as their top choice for the chief ministerial position in the meeting prior to the candidate announcement. The list includes many incumbent MLAs who have stayed loyal to party leader Uddhav Thackeray after the split in 2022.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena Releases Candidate List for Maharashtra Assembly Elections
In preparation for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has released a list of 65 candidates. The announcement marks a significant development in the political landscape of the state, where the party faces a challenge from the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde.
Background:
The Shiv Sena has been a dominant political force in Maharashtra for decades. However, in 2022, the party witnessed a split, with Shinde and a group of MLAs revolting against the leadership of Thackeray. Shinde subsequently became the Chief Minister of the state, forming a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Candidate List:
The list released by Thackeray's Sena includes several incumbent MLAs who have remained loyal to the party. Among the notable candidates is Kedar Dighe, the nephew of late party leader Anand Dighe, who will contest the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat against current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Chief Ministerial Candidate:
In a meeting prior to the candidate announcement, Shiv Sena signaled Shinde as their top choice for the chief ministerial position. This move is seen as an attempt to consolidate the party's support and challenge Shinde's claim to the leadership of the Sena.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Who is Uddhav Thackeray?
Uddhav Thackeray is the current president of the Shiv Sena and the son of the party's founder, Bal Thackeray. He has been the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2019 to 2022.
2. Who is Eknath Shinde?
Eknath Shinde is the current Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the leader of the breakaway faction of the Shiv Sena. He was previously a senior leader in the Shiv Sena and held the post of Urban Development Minister in Thackeray's government.
3. What is the significance of the candidate list released by Thackeray?
The release of the candidate list by Thackeray's Sena is a show of strength and a challenge to Shinde's leadership. The list includes loyalists who have remained with Thackeray after the party split, and it signals the party's intention to contest the elections and regain power in the state.
4. Who is Kedar Dighe and why is his candidacy significant?
Kedar Dighe is the nephew of late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, who was a popular figure in Kalyan and Thane districts. Dighe's candidacy in the Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat is seen as a strategic move to challenge Shinde, who represents that constituency.
5. What is the current political situation in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is currently under the rule of a coalition government led by Eknath Shinde and the BJP. The upcoming Assembly Elections will be a crucial test for both factions of the Shiv Sena and will determine the political future of the state.
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