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.
In a major blow to the Congress party ahead of the Lok Sabha election, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique has announced his resignation from the primary membership of the party. He will be joining the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on February 10. Siddique cited pressure from the BJP-led government as the reason for his departure, which has been criticized by Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad. Siddique's son, Zeeshan Siddique, is also expected to follow his father's footsteps and join the NCP before the next Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024.
After 55 years with the Congress party, prominent leader Milind Deora has resigned and joined Shiv Sena under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Deora cited his desire for development as the reason for leaving the Congress party and joining Shiv Sena. He also expressed disappointment in the current state of the Congress party, saying it is no longer the same party that it once was. Congress leaders targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Deora's resignation, while Deora himself emphasized his commitment to the Congress during its most challenging decade.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed former Congress leader Milind Deora into the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) on Sunday, marking a significant political shift in the state. Deora, who has had a long-standing association with the Congress, expressed his dissatisfaction with the party's current state, citing a lack of focus on constructive suggestions and merit. Eknath Shinde lauded Deora's decision, comparing it to his own experience of making difficult choices. Deora's decision to join the Shiv Sena is seen as a major blow to the Congress, particularly in light of his past electoral contests against the party.
Senior leader Milind Deora's resignation from the Congress sparked a war of words between the party and Deora, with the party alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the timing of his departure. Deora ended his family's 55-year association with the Congress due to discontent over the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)'s claim to the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took a dig at Deora, highlighting his father Murli Deora's unwavering loyalty to the party, while Deora defended his decision, stating his concerns about the sitting Shiv Sena seat and seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi to discuss the matter.