Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Amit Thackeray, son of party chief Raj Thackeray, is set to make his electoral debut from the Mahim constituency in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024. The announcement was made as part of the MNS’s release of a candidate list that includes 45 nominees across the state.
Amit, who currently leads the party’s youth wing, has garnered support from MNS workers urging his candidacy, especially in Mahim, a constituency previously held by the Shiv Sena. The political corridors are already buzzing, as insiders suggest that the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) might consider not contesting Mahim if Amit Thackeray enters the race, a gesture that could facilitate a more harmonious political environment between the rival factions.
Raj Thackeray has emphasized the need for MNS to establish itself as a formidable player in Maharashtra’s politics. In recent statements, he expressed his intent for the party to contest elections independently, aiming to reclaim a more substantial presence after years of decline, during which MNS only secured a single seat in the last assembly election. “We will fight these elections to win and establish ourselves among the ruling parties,” he remarked during a campaign event Amit’s entry into the electoral arena marks a pivotal moment for the Thackeray legacy, following the notable political achievements of his cousin, Aaditya Thackeray, who made his own debut in 2019. Observers believe that this move could not only revitalize the MNS but also set the stage for a broader family rivalry within Maharashtra politics. As the election date approaches, the political dynamics in Mumbai will undoubtedly shift, with both the Thackeray factions vying for influence in their ancestral political turf.
However, even within more progressive parties like the CDP, women only make up around 30% of candidates, far below the ideal threshold of equal representation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has acknowledged the gender gap issue but has stopped short of endorsing quotas, preferring gradual change through voluntary reforms.
