Mumbai: In a significant development, former Congress leader Milind Deora, who joined Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in January, is likely to contest against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray in Mumbai’s Worli Assembly seat.
Aaditya, son of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, has been the incumbent MLA from Worli since 2019. However, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Worli witnessed a narrow 6,500-vote lead for Shiv Sena (UBT). This margin has emboldened the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to field a strong candidate against Aaditya.
The Shinde-led party believes that Milind Deora, a Rajya Sabha MP, can effectively connect with middle-class Maharashtrians, fishermen, and affluent residents in Worli. Deora’s influence is expected to bolster the Shiv Sena’s chances in the constituency.
Deora’s connect in all walks of life may be a reason behind his selection from the constituency. He was a member of Lok Sabha for a decade and a Minister of State for Shipping in the Manmohan Singh government.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also fielded its leader Sandeep Deshpande from Worli. Initially, MNS hoped to receive support from the Shiv Sena. However, CM Shinde decided to field a Shiv Sena candidate against Aaditya indicating a desire to contest the seat independently.
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