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The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, has taken a significant step in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections by releasing its first list of 65 candidates. This move positions the party as a key player in the political landscape of the state, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle. The announcement, made on Wednesday evening, included the confirmation of Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, as the candidate for the Worli constituency in central Mumbai. This decision solidifies Aaditya's role as a prominent figure within the party and a potential successor to his father's legacy.
The release of the candidate list comes as a strategic maneuver for the Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly as the party's rival faction, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has already begun its campaign. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has prioritized retaining its existing base by renominating most of its MLAs who remained loyal after the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022. However, the party has yet to declare a candidate for the Shivadi seat in Mumbai, currently represented by Ajay Choudhary, suggesting internal deliberations are ongoing. The decision to field Kedar Dighe, nephew of the late Sena leader Anand Dighe (considered Shinde's political mentor), from Kopri-Panchpakhadi in Thane, is a clear attempt to challenge Shinde in his stronghold and capitalize on potential factional tensions.
Beyond the core constituencies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has also strategically allocated candidates in key areas. In Mahim, a triangular contest is expected with Mahesh Sawant representing the Sena (UBT), Sada Sarvankar from the Shiv Sena, and Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, competing for the seat. The party has also fielded former MP Rajan Vichare from the Thane city assembly seat, leveraging his previous representation of the area. Satyajit Patil, who contested the Hatkanangale Lok Sabha seat unsuccessfully, will now fight for the Shahuwadi seat in Kolhapur district. The inclusion of former MP Unmesh Patil, who joined the Shiv Sena (UBT) after being denied a BJP Lok Sabha ticket, as a candidate from Chalisgaon in Jalgaon district, highlights the party's efforts to attract disgruntled individuals from other political parties.
The release of the candidate list by the Shiv Sena (UBT) marks a critical stage in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The party's strategy, focused on retaining its existing base while simultaneously expanding its reach through strategic candidate selection, suggests a strong commitment to securing a significant presence in the state legislature. The upcoming elections are poised to be highly competitive, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) aiming to regain its former dominance and position itself as a key player in the political landscape of Maharashtra.
Source: Uddhav Sena releases 1st list of candidates, Aaditya Thackeray fielded from Worli