In a recent political move, Shiv Sena, under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has decided to nominate Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora as their candidate for the Worli assembly seat. This decision sets the stage for a high-stakes contest against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
Milind Deora, who joined Shiv Sena after feeling marginalized in the Congress party, was initially being considered for the South Mumbai Lok Sabha seat. However, the party ultimately chose him to contest from Worli. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of justice for Worli and its residents, stating that they will soon share their vision for the constituency.
The Worli constituency has seen significant political shifts over the years. Previously represented by Sachin Ahir from the National Congress Party and later by Shiv Sena’s Sunil Shinde, it is now held by Aaditya Thackeray. The upcoming election in Worli is shaping up to be a triangular contest, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s Sandeep Deshpande also in the running.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Aaditya Thackeray garnered praise for his proactive management of the crisis, particularly at the Worli Dome hospital. Despite discussions about potentially relocating to a different constituency with a stronger Marathi demographic, Thackeray decided to remain in Worli and face the upcoming contest.
The election in Worli has attracted attention from other political leaders as well. BJP’s Shaina NC has expressed interest in entering the race, while MNS chief Raj Thackeray has already shown his support for his candidate. Interestingly, none of the main contestants—Deshpande, Thackeray, or Deora—reside in Worli, with their homes located in different areas of Mumbai.
The political dynamics extend beyond Worli, with negotiations also taking place in the nearby Mahim constituency, where Raj Thackeray’s son Amit is set to make his electoral debut. Leaders from various parties are working towards ensuring a smooth election process, with discussions about potential withdrawals and strategic moves to simplify the electoral path for different candidates.
The contest in Worli is expected to be closely watched, with all candidates gearing up for a tough battle. Each contender brings their own unique strengths and support base to the table, making the election an intriguing and closely fought affair. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the candidates connect with voters and present their vision for the future of Worli.
