Maharashtra assembly elections 2024: Aaditya Thackeray versus Milind Deora in Worli?

In search of a formidable candidate to challenge Shiv Sena (UBT) second-in-command Aaditya Thackeray from the Worli Assembly constituency, Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora's name has cropped up in conversations within the rival Sena faction.

In 2019, it was smooth sailing for Aaditya because of a lack of strong opponents. At the time, the undivided Sena, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, inflicted a crushing defeat on the undivided Nationalist Congress Party's nominee, Suresh Mane. Aaditya bagged over 72 per cent of the total votes polled and recorded a victory margin of over 67,000.

Milind Deora, Shiv Sena MP. File Pic/Shadab Khan (right) Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA. File Pic/Rane Ashish

However, unlike 2019, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has fielded a candidate against Aaditya. Sandeep Deshpande, a senior leader, will lead the MNS challenge. From the Mahayuti, BJP leader Shaina N C was said to be interested because of her networking efforts in the constituency. She has circulated videos of her outreach. When texted to know her views, she did not respond.

Shinde Sena's Rajya Sabha member Deora's name started doing the rounds on Friday. As a former Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South, he has connections with the Worli constituency. Locals know him well because of his campaigns in the area between 2004 and 2019. He also campaigned for the Sena candidate in 2024. He did not contest Lok Sabha early this year.

When mid-day texted Deora to learn about his interests, the MP did not reply. However, a post of his on X said a lot about his intentions. It stated that CM Eknath Shinde believed that justice for Worli and Worlikars was long overdue. "Together, we're paving the way forward & will share our vision soon. It's Worli now," the post read.