Raj Thackeray's son gets BJP support in Mahim seat, Shinde Sena in jiffy

The Mahim constituency faces a three-way showdown as the BJP supports MNS's Amit Thackeray while its ally Shiv Sena insists on fielding sitting MLA Sadanand Sarvankar, with both parties firm in their stance.

In Short

• BJP backs Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray in Mahim
• Shinde Sena fields sitting MLA Sadanand Sarvankar
• Sarvankar urges Raj Thackeray 'not do injustice', withdraw son's candidature

The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is in a fix over candidates in the Mahim constituency with just 20 days left for the assembly election. The constituency is poised for a three-way showdown among Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, sitting Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar, and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Mahesh Sawant.

The deadlock deepens as the BJP has pledged its support for Amit Thackeray, while its ally, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has chosen to field their sitting MLA and both the parties stand firm on their decision.

The BJP expected Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena to withdraw MLA Sarvankar from the seat in favour of Amit Thackeray. Although BJP leaders claim an agreement was reached with Shinde on this matter, Shiv Sena leaders argue that if they don’t field a candidate, their votes may shift to the Uddhav faction. Consequently, Sarvankar is determined to contest the election.

Sarvankar on Wednesday requested Raj Thackeray to withdraw his son's candidature from the Mahim race and support the Shiv Sena.

In a tweet, the MLA highlighted his 40-year tenure as a Shiv Sena loyalist and his three-time election as MLA through hard work. He noted that, had the late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray been alive, he would not have asked him to give up the seat for his relatives.

"Fifty of his (Bal Thackeray’s) relatives live in Dadar-Mahim but he nominated a common worker like me. He was a leader who cherished the spirit of the worker. Look at Eknath Shinde Saheb, even though his son was a three-time MP, he did not make his son a minister at the centre but gave that opportunity to a loyal Shiv Sainik,” Sarvnaka said.

He added, “I request Rajsaheb not to do injustice to workers like me. Give me your support".

The MLA’s statement came after Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis affirmed that the BJP remains firm on backing Raj Thackeray’s son in Mahim.

"We are supporting Amit Thackeray. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was of the same view. But if the Sena candidate is not there, then their votes will go to Shiv Sena (UBT), hence a candidate is given,” Fadnvais said, also mentioning that efforts will be made to find a solution to the situation.

According to him, leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena argued that if the party did not contest the election, its dedicated voters would shift to the Uddhav Sena. “The BJP was ready to support Amit and is still firm on its stand,” he said.

Amid this, Sarvankar met with Eknath Shinde, claiming that the Chief Minister assured him he would contest from Mahim.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray asserted that the next government in Maharashtra will be led by the Mahayuti alliance, with the Chief Minister's post going to the BJP. He added that this government will be formed with the support of the MNS.

Notably, Raj Thackeray’s party is not officially part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP.

Elections for the 288-member state assembly will take place on November 20, with votes counted on November 23.