Lok Sabha elections 2024: MNS conspicuous by near absence at Shiv Sena candidate’s rally

Shiv Sena candidate Yamini Jadhav at Kumbharwada in Girgaon on Wednesday. Pic/Anurag Ahire

About 200 Shiv Sainiks and BJP workers braved the scorching heat on Wednesday afternoon while accompanying the Shiv Sena's Mumbai South candidate Yamini Jadhav to the Gol Deval (round temple) in Kumbharwada, Girgaon. Though the flags of all five Mahayuti allies - the BJP, MNS, RPI and NCP and Sena factions led by Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde respectively - hung from trucks at the rally, only a few workers from the Raj Thackeray-led outfit took part.

The rally kicked off from the round temple near Khetwadi, where items such as kitchenware, clothing and pipes are sold.

Accompanied by a live band, Jadhav and her aides travelled on a small truck that could easily navigate the area's narrow alleys. By 2 pm, the participants had made their way through Kumbharwada, Ardeshir Dadi Street, CP Tank Circle, Kabootar Galli and Bhandari Street.

When the campaigners reached Sant Sena Maharaj Marg, petals were showered on Jadhav's truck, an apparently spontaneous reaction. But the response was more subdued when the rally approached the CP Tank alley.

Though at least three to five Shiv Sena and BJP flags could be seen at the rally, MNS one was noticeably missing. Asked why this was so, a worker produced an MNS flag to indicate the party's presence. An MNS worker associated with the party's Mumbadevi branch said it was campaigning for Sena. Asked about MNS workers' low turnout, he said it was due to the scorching heat. "Party workers have fanned out to rest in the shade. They will come back later," he said.

A close associate of Jadhav said that she along with her husband Yashwant visited Raj Thackeray's home early on Tuesday morning. "There isn't any tussle between parties. MNS workers are helping in the campaign," the associate said.

The South seat comprises Colaba, Mumbadevi, Malabar Hill, Byculla, Sewri and Worli Assembly segments. Out of six seats, two are with Sena (UBT), one with Congress, one with Shinde Sena and two are with BJP. Redevelopment and housing on Central government-owned land, including the BDD chawls and slums, are key issues in the constituency.

BJP MLAs Rahul Narwekar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha had been eager to contest the seat and even held public meetings. The MNS was eyeing for the seat as its leader Bala Nandgaonkar contested and lost by a thin margin in 2009.

MNSSpeak

Sanjay Naik, MNS general secretary, said, "As per Raj-ji's orders, we have been participating in the Sena candidate's campaign as per the plan they share with us. We attend rallies and distribute pamphlets and our leaders take part in chowk meets."

4.21 L
No. of votes polled by Arvind Sawant in 2019

Past tallies

. In 2019, the undivided Sena's Arvind Sawant defeated Congress' Milind Deora by one lakh votes.
. In 2014, Sawant trounced Deora by 1.28 lakh votes.
. In 2009, Deora defeated Bala Nandgaonkar of MNS by 1.12 lakh votes.