Maharashtra Assembly Election: Mahim Seat to See 3-Way Battle Between Shiv Sena, UBT and MNS

Mumbai: Maharashtra ’s prestigious Mahim assembly seat in Mumbai will see a three-way contest on November 20 between the ruling Shiv Sena, the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), and Raj Thackeray ’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Mahim holds historical significance, being the birthplace of the undivided Shiv Sena in 1966 and later the MNS in 2006 when Raj Thackeray formed his own party. 

Raj Thackeray ’s son, Amit Thackeray, will make his electoral debut from Mahim, one of Mumbai’s 36 assembly segments. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ’s Shiv Sena has fielded sitting MLA Sada Sarvankar, while Mahesh Sawant is contesting for Shiv Sena (UBT).

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) commented on their decision to contest against Amit Thackeray, citing Mahim’s significance as the area where the Sena was formed.

Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), are cousins. Uddhav’s son Aaditya Thackeray is the MLA from Worli and is seeking re-election.

The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a revolt against Uddhav Thackeray, who was then chief minister.

Mahim is a diverse constituency, with a mix of upper-class Maharashtrians, cosmopolitan residents, and minority voters. It is home to the headquarters of both the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena and the MNS, as well as the nearby Shivaji Park ground, where both parties hold major rallies.

Since 1990, the seat has been held by either the undivided Shiv Sena or the MNS. In 2009, MNS candidate Nitin Sardesai won the seat.

Elections for Maharashtra ’s 288-member assembly will be held on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23.