Aaditya Thackeray has held the tourism and environment portfolios in his father Uddhav's cabinet in the state from 2019 and 2022
Milind Deora, who switched from Congress to Shiv Sena earlier this year, previously served as the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in the second term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, from 2009 to 2012
After joining the Shiv Sena, headed by CM Eknath Shinde, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra
The two leaders shared their vision at an event organised by the Mumbai Press Club, which has called on candidates contesting in Mumbai to prioritise inclusive growth, a seamless urban transport system, accountable city governance, accessible and affordable housing, security, high-quality healthcare, sustainable water usage, a greener Mumbai, and the preservation of the city's cultural and architectural heritage
In a recent interview, Thackeray shared his aspirations for transforming Mumbai into a city that genuinely caters to its residents' needs, especially in an era when rapid urban development has often outpaced infrastructure planning
The sitting legislator from Worli plans to increase the existing fleet to 10,000 electric buses by 2027. He also accused that under the current government, bus numbers have dropped owing to alleged mismanagement
Furthermore, Thackeray plans to implement an integrated traffic management system to ease congestion and promote safe pedestrian connectivity. He highlights the necessity of walkable footpaths and accessible pedestrian pathways, especially as local businesses and shopkeepers have felt the effects of haphazard traffic plans.
Deora said the government needs to practise sustainable development and strike a balance between environment and progress
"CM Eknath Shinde has a vision to rapidly progress Mumbai and Maharashtra, but unfortunately, the opposition, especially MLA Aditya Thackeray, is creating obstacles. He brought speed breakers to every development project. Our goal is to remove these obstacles and move forward swiftly, as Maharashtra contributes significantly to India's economy, nearly 20 per cent," Deora had said earlier
The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), seeks to reclaim power in the state, challenging the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42
Apart from Deora and Thackeray, Sandeep Deshpande from the Raj Thackeray-headed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will also contest from Worli
After the event, Thackeray obliged the attendees with a selfie
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