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The stage is set for a high-stakes triangular fight in one of Mumbai’s most politically significant constituencies, where all candidates are vying for the support of the Marathi-speaking voter base
Amit Thackeray, despite being a new face in this electoral race, has the advantage of the Thackeray legacy and his father’s aggressive campaigning style. (Facebook)
Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, is set to make his debut in state politics by contesting from Mumbai’s Mahim constituency in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
However, it will not be an easy road for the political scion as he faces formidable opposition from both factions of Shiv Sena. The stage is set for a high-stakes triangular fight in one of Mumbai’s most politically significant constituencies, where all three candidates are vying for the support of the Marathi-speaking voter base.
Amit Thackeray will contest under the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) banner, a party founded by his father in 2006. The younger Thackeray’s entry into electoral politics has garnered considerable attention as he aims to carve out his own identity in the political landscape, much like his cousin Aaditya Thackeray who has been a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction.
The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has fielded its incumbent MLA Sada Saravankar, a seasoned politician with years of experience and a strong base of loyal supporters, from the constituency. Sarvankar’s presence in the constituency makes him a significant challenger for Amit Thackeray, especially considering the faction’s alliance with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Saravankar is banking on his longstanding rapport with local voters and the party’s backing at the state level to retain his seat.
Adding to the complexity of the contest, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena UBT has declared Mahesh Sawant, a division head and staunch loyalist, as their candidate from the same constituency. Uddhav’s faction has been actively working to consolidate the Marathi vote since the Shiv Sena split, and the party leadership believes that Mahesh Sawant’s grassroots connect will help him gain a significant share of the votes in Mahim. Uddhav’s appeal among traditional Sena voters, coupled with a well-established network in the area, positions Sawant as another major competitor.
Speaking to News18, MNS leader and candidate from Worli constituency Sandeep Deshpande said: “We never expect anything from anyone, including Shiv Sena UBT. Raj Thackeray had not given a candidate in 2019 elections against Aaditya Thackeray from Worli and shown his big heart but others are not like him. We will fight the battle in people’s court.”
Responding to the statement, Anand Dubey of Shiv Sena UBT said: “Dadar is our home ground, our party was born here. How can anyone expect that we should give away our home turf to some other party. Those who have support of people will win this election.”
All three parties are fighting for the same crucial segment — the Marathi-speaking electorate. Historically, this group has been a key factor in deciding the outcome of elections in Mahim, and each candidate has laid out strategies to win their favour.
Amit Thackeray, despite being a new face in this electoral race, has the advantage of the Thackeray legacy and his father’s aggressive campaigning style, which resonates well with sections of the Marathi-speaking population. However, the split in Shiv Sena votes between the Shinde and UBT factions presents both an opportunity and a challenge for him.
The upcoming elections in Mahim are set to be a test not just of Amit Thackeray’s political acumen, but also of the strength of both Sena factions. With Saravankar, Sawant, and Amit competing for the same voter base, the constituency is witnessing a fierce contest where alliances, loyalty, and local dynamics will determine the outcome.