Mumbai: With the nomination process for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled on November 20 and ending on October 29, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) specifically refrained from fielding candidates in 10 of the 36 assemblies in Mumbai. seats. This electoral absence fueled speculation about a strategic decision that would allow Mahayuti candidates to consolidate votes and secure victories in these constituencies.

These 10 constituencies include leading figures of Mahayuti, MNS’s ally in the Lok Sabha elections, including Ashish Shelar, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Vinod Shelar, Ameet Satam, Mihir Kotecha, Rahul Narwekar and Yamini Jadhav. The move signals a coordinated effort within the alliance, potentially paving the way for smoother victories for Mahayuti’s high-profile candidates.

In the case of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, MNS presence is missing in the case of BJP leader Shaina NC, who is contesting on the Shiv Sena ticket from Mumbadevi, Yamini Jadhav (Byculla), Murji Patel (Andheri East) and Rajesh Khandare (Dharavi). ). Vishnu Gaikwad of BJP also filed for nomination but was rejected.

Reciprocally, Mahayuti allowed MNS’s Bala Nandgaonkar to directly compete with Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Ajay Choudhari from the Shivadi assembly segment. Attempts are being made by the MNS and the Mahayuti, especially the Shiv Sena, to persuade Sadanand Sarvankar to withdraw his candidacy to increase the chances of MNS Chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit Thackeray winning. Shiv Sena has already asked Sarvankar to withdraw from the fight but he remained defiant. This is Amit Thackeray’s first election contest and Mahim is contesting. Maha Vikas Aghadi nominated Mahesh Sawant from Shiv Sena (UBT) from here.

The last day to withdraw from candidacy is Monday. The single-phase election in Maharashtra is scheduled to be held on November 20 and the results will be declared on November 23.

Political observers shared that these were selective absences for a friendly contest that would allow Mahayuti candidates to win through vote pooling. The MNS claimed only two seats, Mahim and Shivadi, from its heavyweights Mahayuti to get elected to the Maharashtra assembly for 10 seats.

Reportedly, after the meeting with MNS, an agreement was reached that Shelar brothers Ashish Shelar (Bandra West) and Vinod Shelar (Malad West) would benefit from vote pooling. A split in the Maharashtrian vote increases the chances of rivals, especially in closely contested seats where the winning margin can be several hundred votes.

According to records, MNS rejects such a ‘friendly’ arrangement. Senior MNS leader and former MLA Nitin Sardesai clarified that this move will not allow consolidation of votes in favor of Mahayuti’s candidates. “Tickets have been issued on the basis of merit. In assembly segments where we have not nominated anyone, party workers will be directed and mobilized for other MNS candidates in Mumbai or neighboring constituencies.”