Maharashtra Assembly Polls 2024: Is It Milind Deora Vs Aaditya Thackeray In Worli?

Milind Deora, who recently left Congress to join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, is likely to contest against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray in Mumbai's Worli constituency in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, sources told India Today.

The NDA also considered Marathi actor Sushant Shelar and BJP spokesperson Shaina NC for this high-profile contest, but Deora's name has been finalized. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS has fielded Sandeep Deshpande, initially expecting Shiv Sena's backing; however, Shiv Sena has chosen to field its own candidate against Aaditya Thackeray.

In Maharashtra, the NDA alliance comprises Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) brings together Congress, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar's NCP.

Deora, a former MP from Mumbai South, announced his resignation from Congress in January, thereby ending his family's five-decade relationship with the party." "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of the Congress, ending my family's 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues, and karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he stated.

Deora first won a Lok Sabha seat from Mumbai South in 2004 by defeating BJP veteran Jayawantiben Mehta and retained it in 2009, defeating MNS and Shiv Sena (undivided) candidates.

Worli is a part of the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency.