Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains committed to supporting Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) head Raj Thackeray, in the Mahim assembly constituency, which is also contested by the ruling Shiv Sena.
Fadnavis told reporters that the BJP would seek a solution to the situation. He indicated that efforts would be made to convince most party rebels to withdraw their nominations, though he acknowledged that friendly contests may occur in some areas during the upcoming state elections on November 20.
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The Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has nominated sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar for the Mahim seat, while Mahesh Sawant is the candidate for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Although the MNS is not part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s NCP, it supported the ruling coalition in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Fadnavis noted that the BJP and CM Shinde have reached a consensus on backing Amit Thackeray, who is making his electoral debut. He mentioned that leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed concerns that their voters might shift to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) if the party does not contest.
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“When we (leaders of Mahayuti) meet, we will discuss and try to find a solution,” Fadnavis said, PTI reported. Mahim has historical significance, being the birthplace of the undivided Shiv Sena in 1966 and later the MNS in 2006.
Fadnavis also addressed the issue of party rebels, acknowledging that major political parties in the state face this challenge. He reiterated that the BJP would strive to convince most of its rebels to withdraw their nominations.
Elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are set for November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23.
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