Mahim Seat Battle Heats Up: BJP Backs Amit Thackeray Against Shinde’s Sena in Maharashtra Polls
In the lead-up to Maharashtra's state assembly elections, the Mahim constituency has emerged as a battleground with the BJP supporting Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, while its ally, the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde, backs sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar. With just days left before the November 20 election, both parties are firm on their candidates, setting the stage for a three-way showdown with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) fielding Mahesh Sawant from Mahim.
BJP’s Endorsement of Amit Thackeray: A Strategic Move
The BJP’s endorsement of Amit Thackeray in Mahim is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Mahayuti alliance by potentially bringing the MNS into its fold. Although the MNS is not formally part of the BJP-Shiv Sena-Ajit Pawar NCP alliance, Raj Thackeray supported the alliance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, signaling a closer association. With Amit Thackeray making his political debut, the BJP aims to expand its influence by backing Raj Thackeray’s party in Mahim.
However, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s reluctance to withdraw Sarvankar from the race has created a rift within the alliance. Sarvankar and his supporters argue that withdrawing from Mahim could result in a loss of votes to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), which could compromise the Shinde faction’s base in Mumbai.
Sarvankar’s Plea to Raj Thackeray
Sarvankar, a loyal Shiv Sena worker for over 40 years and three-term MLA, made an emotional appeal to Raj Thackeray, urging him to withdraw his son’s candidacy and support him instead. He highlighted his dedication to the Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray’s leadership, emphasizing that his loyalty was valued above familial connections. Citing Bal Thackeray’s legacy, Sarvankar argued that the party’s founding ideals prioritized loyalty and hard work over political dynasties.
"Had Bal Thackeray been alive, he would not have asked me to step aside for his relatives," Sarvankar said, reflecting the sentiments of traditional Shiv Sena workers who view this election as a test of the party’s founding principles.
Fadnavis Seeks a Resolution Amidst Alliance Tensions
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has affirmed the BJP’s commitment to Amit Thackeray’s candidacy in Mahim, stressing that he would work to resolve the situation within the alliance. While Fadnavis acknowledged the concerns of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, he maintained that the BJP remains firm in its stance. He indicated that the Mahayuti leaders would meet soon to seek a resolution.
Despite the alliance's differences, Fadnavis has publicly called for unity and has made efforts to prevent internal divisions from weakening the coalition’s prospects. He also mentioned the “friendly fights” expected in some seats due to rebel candidates, suggesting that such contests may be unavoidable but should not compromise the alliance’s overall goals.
Raj Thackeray’s Position and MNS Influence
Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery rhetoric and independent political approach, has stated that the Mahayuti will likely form the next government, with the Chief Minister’s post going to the BJP. Although the MNS is not a formal member of the Mahayuti alliance, Raj Thackeray’s alignment with BJP’s ideology and his support in Lok Sabha elections have positioned the MNS as a potential ally. For Raj Thackeray, Amit’s candidacy is more than just an electoral debut; it’s a step towards reinvigorating the MNS's political influence in Maharashtra.
Mahim: A Historical Stronghold
Mahim holds a special place in Maharashtra’s political history, being the birthplace of the undivided Shiv Sena in 1966 and later, in 2006, the base for the MNS following Raj Thackeray’s split from his uncle Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. Both the Shiv Sena and the MNS share deep-rooted connections in the constituency, making the upcoming election a significant moment for both factions.
With Mahesh Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) also in the fray, Mahim’s election is likely to showcase the evolving dynamics between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) holds a loyal voter base in Mumbai, and the entry of both Amit Thackeray and Sarvankar could split votes among the factions, potentially giving Uddhav’s faction an edge.
Looking Forward to the Elections
The Maharashtra assembly elections, scheduled for November 20 with vote counting on November 23, will not only decide Mahim’s future but also influence the overall political landscape of Maharashtra. As the Mahayuti alliance grapples with internal disagreements and attempts to consolidate its base, this election may determine whether traditional loyalties and alliances can withstand the growing prominence of individual political identities within the state.
In the coming days, efforts will be made to reconcile differences within the alliance, with BJP and Shiv Sena leaders working to find common ground. Whether Amit Thackeray’s debut marks the beginning of a new chapter for the MNS within the Mahayuti or if Sarvankar’s appeal to loyalty wins the day, Mahim is set to witness one of the most closely watched contests in Maharashtra’s political history.