1 day Ago By Priya Pareek
Worli: A letter has been going viral claiming that Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is supporting Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Worli seat in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections. Notably, Worli is a high-profile assembly constituency with some of the most expensive properties in India. Once a stronghold of Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena, this iconic constituency now poses a critical challenge for Aaditya Thackeray, vying for reelection against Congress leader Milind Deora and MNS' Sandeep Deshpande.
The letter in Marathi, signed by Raj Thackeray, reads, "We have now reached the final stage of campaigning for the assembly elections. I would like to inform you that in the Shivdi constituency, the Mahayuti has honored the MNS by not fielding a candidate against it, and as a responsibility, the MNS has decided to support the Shiv Sena in Worli by backing the bow and arrow to prevent the division of Hindu votes. Respect your votes and contribute to building a developed Maharashtra.
On the upcoming 20th of November, everyone must step out of their homes and exercise their right to vote in large numbers. Every vote of yours is invaluable." MNS candidate from Worli reached police station to file a complaint that a fake letter was spread in the constituency that MNS is supporting Shinde Sena in Worli.
Later, MNS shared a video with the caption, "Out of the fear of defeat, the opposition has started spreading misinformation in Worli, which has been exposed by Mr. Sandeep Deshpande." Raj Thackeray also told media, "In Worli, the opposition is resorting to such false tactics because they feel the ground slipping from under their feet.
I have not announced any kind of support. The people of Worli are wise." Triangular Contest On Worli Seat The Worli seat in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections has turned into a gripping triangular contest, drawing attention across the political spectrum.
Aaditya Thackeray, a key figure from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, faces stiff competition from Congress heavyweight Milind Deora and MNS candidate Sandeep Deshpande. Aaditya Thackeray (34) faces a formidable challenge from Deora, a familiar face in the prestigious constituency. The former Union minister (47), who quit the Congress in January this year and joined the Shiv Sena, has represented the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, which covers Worli, twice in the past.
The constituency saw Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the ruling Shiv Sena, his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy of the Congress and MNS chief Raj Thackeray seeking votes for their respective candidates. What Happened In 2019? In 2019, Sachin Ahir, a former state minister and chief of the united NCP's Mumbai unit, joined the undivided Shiv Sena ahead of the assembly polls that year. Ahir had been multiple-time MLA from Worli, but faced defeat at the hands of the undivided Shiv Sena's Sunil Shinde in 2014.
In 2019, Sunil Shinde, the sitting Sena MLA, vacated the seat for Aaditya Thackeray, who made his poll debut in an election where the BJP was part of the saffron combine. The united NCP fielded a lightweight candidate, while the MNS did not field any nominee, making the contest a cakewalk for the junior Thackeray. Aaditya Thackeray won by a margin of 62,247 votes in 2019 and went on to become a member of the cabinet headed by his father Uddhav Thackeray, who was the CM till June 2022.
However, despite the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s victory from the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat in 2024, the Worli assembly segment saw a significant drop in lead. Party candidate Arvind Sawant led by just 6,715 votes, the lowest in four of the six assembly constituencies under Mumbai South where he dominated his Shiv Sena challenger. Whether Worli reposes faith in Aaditya Thackeray or elects a new MLA will be known only on November 23 when votes will be counted.
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