Following the split in the Shiv Sena, Worli is becoming a highly competitive constituency, with both the Shinde faction and the BJP preparing to challenge Aaditya Thackeray. In 2019, the MNS did not field a candidate against him, but this time, they are actively considering candidates for the seat. The political dynamics in Worli are shifting, making it a focal point for the upcoming assembly elections. With multiple parties vying for influence, the contest is shaping up to be intense and closely watched, as each side aims to sway the diverse electorate in this vital region.
Mumbai: As Maharashtra gears up for the 2024 assembly elections, the Worli constituency emerges as a focal point of political intrigue, particularly with Aaditya Thackeray, the young face of the Thackeray family, vying for re-election. The dynamics have shifted significantly since his first win in 2014, following the split in the Shiv Sena, which has now created a competitive battleground in Worli.
In 2019, Thackeray secured his position with 89,248 votes, largely unchallenged, as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opted not to field a candidate. However, this time around, the political landscape is vastly different. Both the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena and the BJP are gearing up for a robust challenge, with the MNS also eyeing potential candidates for the seat, intensifying the competition.
Potential Candidates Emerge
The MNS is reportedly considering Sandeep Deshpande as a possible candidate, while the BJP is weighing the candidacy of Shaina NC. Interestingly, some MNS workers have even urged Amit Thackeray to contest from Worli, reflecting the party’s ambition to reclaim ground lost in previous elections.
Despite the mounting pressure on CM Eknath Shinde to present a formidable contender against Thackeray, the Shinde faction has yet to name a strong candidate. Efforts to lure key leaders from Thackeray’s camp have been unsuccessful, with one prominent figure reportedly rejecting a ticket offer from the Shinde faction, opting instead to remain loyal to Thackeray.
This situation places Shinde in a precarious position, as he navigates the internal dynamics of his party while striving to mount a competitive challenge in Worli.
The Complex Voter Base
Worli’s demographic diversity poses a significant challenge for any candidate. The constituency encompasses a mix of affluent high-rise residents and working-class communities residing in older chawls. Key locations include the iconic racecourse, the Arthur Road Jail, and Mumbai’s largest dhobi ghat, illustrating the area’s socio-economic diversity. This blend of voters, including a notable Gujarati population, demands a candidate who can resonate with a wide array of issues.
One of the pivotal concerns in the constituency has been the redevelopment of the BDD chawls, an issue that has sparked considerable debate among residents. Candidates will need to address such local concerns while articulating broader visions for the community.
The Stakes for Shinde
Eknath Shinde’s reluctance to cede the Worli seat to the BJP indicates the political stakes involved. If a viable candidate from the Shinde faction does not materialize, there is growing speculation that the BJP may claim the seat, potentially undermining Shinde’s influence in a key area of Mumbai.
As the elections approach, the urgency for the Shinde faction to identify a strong contender cannot be overstated. With Aaditya Thackeray positioned as a seasoned campaigner in a constituency that has shown loyalty to the Thackeray legacy, the Shinde faction must act swiftly to avoid being overshadowed in this high-stakes electoral contest.
In conclusion, the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra will undoubtedly spotlight Worli as a critical battleground. With Aaditya Thackeray seeking to solidify his position against mounting opposition, the challenge for CM Shinde lies not just in presenting a candidate, but in reclaiming a narrative that appeals to the diverse electorate of this vibrant constituency. As political maneuvers unfold, all eyes will be on Worli, where the fight for influence and legacy is set to intensify.
