- Mumbai BJP faces internal division over fielding a candidate in the crucial Worli constituency, with Shaina NC emerging as a potential contender against Aaditya Thackeray.
- City BJP president Ashish Shelar prefers that Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) fields a strong candidate, while the party’s central leadership has reportedly urged Shaina NC to start campaigning.
- Milind Deora’s candidacy from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) remains unofficial, adding to the complex political landscape.
BJP’s Internal Conflict Over Worli
The upcoming 2024 Maharashtra elections have exposed a rift within the Mumbai BJP regarding who should contest the crucial Worli assembly seat. Aaditya Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), is the current MLA for Worli and is seeking re-election, making the constituency a battleground for rival parties. The BJP’s indecision stems from differing strategies:
- Shaina NC, a well-known BJP figure and fashion influencer, has already started her campaign despite no official party announcement. Sources indicate that the BJP’s central leadership has encouraged her to begin groundwork, signaling potential candidacy.
- Ashish Shelar, the city BJP president, is skeptical about the party’s chances in Worli. He has openly suggested that the Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction should field a stronger candidate, recognizing the area’s political leanings and the limited influence of the BJP in this constituency. This aligns with the ruling Mahayuti alliance’s ambition to unseat Thackeray.
Will Milind Deora Contest From Worli?
The potential entry of Milind Deora, a former Congress MP now aligned with Shiv Sena (Shinde), has further stirred the political waters. Though Deora has expressed his intent to contest from Worli, his candidacy hasn’t been formally announced. His participation could reshape the electoral dynamics, leading to a potential three-way contest. BJP leader Ashish Shelar has voiced support for Deora, suggesting that his reputation and past contributions could appeal to Worli voters.
A Potential Triangular Contest
The uncertainty in the BJP’s strategy and the looming entry of Milind Deora has set the stage for a three-way battle in Worli:
- Aaditya Thackeray remains a formidable candidate, with strong grassroots support. His 2019 victory in Worli was backed by the goodwill of mill workers’ leader Sachin Ahir, who vacated the seat for Aaditya and switched allegiance from NCP to Shiv Sena (UBT).
- Sandeep Deshpande from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also announced his candidacy, adding another layer of complexity.
- If Milind Deora joins the race, he will face off against Thackeray and Deshpande, potentially splitting the opposition vote, which could benefit Aaditya.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Confidence in Aaditya Thackeray
Aaditya Thackeray has already filed his nomination, leading a grand procession through Worli, showcasing his popularity in the area. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has mocked the BJP’s struggle to identify a strong contender, sarcastically suggesting high-profile candidates like Jay Shah or even Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde), has held several discussions to strategize against Aaditya Thackeray, reflecting the high stakes involved in the Worli constituency.
As the election date approaches, the internal divisions within the Mumbai BJP and the uncertainty surrounding potential candidates highlight the complexities of this high-profile contest. Shaina NC’s early campaigning and Milind Deora’s possible candidacy could influence the outcome, but Aaditya Thackeray’s established presence and backing by powerful local figures give him a clear advantage.
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