Maharashtra voters are at a pivotal moment as they decide between two starkly different visions for the Shiv Sena. Will Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s controversial 2022 rebellion find acceptance, or will Uddhav Thackeray’s ideological shift to align with Congress and NCP resonate with the electorate? This decision will shape the future leadership of the state in what promises to be an intense Shiv Sena vs. Shiv Sena battle.
A High-Stakes Contest Across 51 Seats
In the 2024 elections, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) will face off in 51 constituencies, many with a significant Marathi voter base. Regions such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Virar-Vasai, and Byculla are expected to witness fierce competition.
MMR Belt: A Key Battleground
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), particularly Thane, holds immense significance for both factions. The undivided Shiv Sena rose to prominence by winning the Thane Municipal Corporation in the 1970s, under the leadership of Bal Thackeray. For Eknath Shinde, this fight is deeply personal—his family migrated from Satara to Thane, where he began his political journey with the Sena at just 18.
List of Constituencies for the Shiv Sena Showdown
Mumbai Region:
- Byculla
- Worli
- Chembur
- Bhandup West
- Vikhroli
- Kurla
- Andheri East
- Dindoshi
- Jogeshwari East
- Magathane
Thane and Surrounding Areas:
- Ambernath
- Kalyan Rural
- Bhiwandi Rural
- Kalyan West
- Ovala–Majiwada
- Kopri-Pachpakhadi
Palghar and Raigad:
- Palghar
- Boisar
- Karjat
- Mahad
Rest of Maharashtra:
- Aurangabad (Central, West, Vaijapur, Kannada, Sillod, Paithan)
- Osmanabad
- Umarga (Dharashiva)
- Ratnagiri (Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Guhagar, Rajapur)
- Jalgaon (Malegaon Outer, Chopra, Pachora)
- Satara (Patan)
- Solapur (Barshi, Sangola)
- Nagpur (Ramtech)
- Amravati (Daryapur)
- Akola (Balapur)
Coastal Constituencies:
- Mahim
- Kudal
- Sawantwadi
The Larger Battle: Legacy and Loyalties
This election transcends numbers; it’s a battle for the legacy of Bal Thackeray. Both factions aim to claim the ideological and emotional heart of the Shiv Sena’s base. The stakes are higher for Shinde, who must prove his rebellion was not just a power grab, while Thackeray seeks validation for his pivot away from Hindutva alliances.
The outcome will not only define Maharashtra’s political future but could also set a precedent for coalition politics in India.
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