Another Thackeray Rises In Politics As MNS Chief Raj’s Son Amit Gets Ticket From Mahim

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday released its first list of 45 candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections. Party chief Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit Thackeray is slated to make his political debut as he has been fielded from central Mumbai’s Mahim assembly constituency.

Amit will be the third person from the extended Thackeray family to contest an election. His father and MNS chief Raj Thackeray has never contested any poll.

Amit’s second cousin Aaditya Thackeray — Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s son — made his debut by winning from neighbouring Worli seat in the 2019 assembly polls. Uddhav Thackeray himself was elected to the legislative council in 2020 after he became Maharashtra chief minister.

Mahim is a mix of predominantly upper-class Maharashtrian and a sizable cosmopolitan and minority vote. The headquarters of the Shiv Sena — now with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction — is located in the area.

The Party fielded Sandeep Deshpande from Worli in south-central Mumbai where he is likely to take on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. Pramod Patil, the only MNS MLA in the outgoing assembly, was renominated from Kalyan rural seat in neighbouring Thane district.

A crucial meeting was held on Monday, led by Raj Thackeray, where party leaders finalised the candidates after reviewing reports from constituency observers. The discussions revolved around fielding strong candidates in winnable constituencies. In particular, attention was on the possibility of Amit Thackeray contesting from the Mahim constituency. However, the final decision on this matter rested with Raj Thackeray.

Political observers say fielding Amit Thackeray in Mahim could energise the party’s base but is fraught with risks. The situation is similar to Uddhav Thackeray’s strategic decisions in 2019 when he fielded his son Aaditya Thackeray from the relatively safe Worli constituency. Uddhav Thackeray managed to bring in key figures like former NCP MLA Sachin Ahir to solidify Aaditya’s chances, while also gaining the cooperation of sitting Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Shinde.

The MNS had declared to go solo at the hustings without joining ruling or opposition alliances. MNS had won one seat each in the 2014 and 2019 elections.

Inside Story of MVA alliance talks

After the difference between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the grand old party, Congress High command asked senior leader Balasaheb Thorat to hold talks with Uddhav Thackeray. Sharad Pawar also played important role to mediate talks between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. He personally spoke to Congress leadership in Delhi and sent Jayant Patil to meet Uddhav yesterday late evening.

Today Congress high command sent a final proposal to Uddhav and as per source, he has agreed on that. The MVA is most likely to seal the seat-sharing deal and would officially release the candidates list.