Mumbai: Former BJP spokesperson Shaina NC has switched her political allegiance, joining Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena just hours after being announced as the BJP’s candidate for the Mumbadevi Assembly seat in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. Initially, Shaina was among the 15 BJP candidates declared, but her transfer to Shiv Sena introduces fresh dynamics within the Mahayuti coalition’s lineup ahead of the November 20 polls.
Shaina, an established BJP figure with a background in fashion design, had initially shown interest in contesting from the high-profile Worli constituency but was ultimately slated for Mumbadevi. Worli, a competitive seat featuring Aaditya Thackeray as a strong candidate from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT), was later assigned to Milind Deora—a former Congress leader who also recently joined Shinde’s faction. This move signals Shinde’s strategic efforts to strengthen his foothold in high-stakes constituencies.
आज मुंबादेवी विधानसभा क्षेत्र से महायुति उम्मीदवार के तौर पर नामांकन किया।
इस दौरान उपस्थित जनता-जनार्दन एवं कार्यकर्ताओं के उत्साह और महायुति के प्रति अटूट विश्वास से स्पष्ट है कि आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के मार्गदर्शन एवं मुख्यमंत्री श्री @mieknathshinde ,… pic.twitter.com/PhzL7l2Axo
— Shaina Chudasama Munot (@ShainaNC) October 29, 2024
After her switch, Shaina thanked PM Narendra Modi, CM Eknath Shinde, and other Mahayuti leaders, expressing a strong desire to serve South Mumbai. She underscored her commitment to addressing key civic issues like hygiene, urban development, and green spaces for residents. Emphasizing accessibility, she affirmed her intent to be a “pradhan sewak” (public servant) who is reachable and accountable to her constituents. Shaina also plans a visit to Mumba Devi Temple before formally filing her nomination.
Shaina’s switch isn’t the only recent cross-party move within Mahayuti ranks. Sanjana Jadhav, daughter of BJP’s Raosaheb Danve, also transitioned to Shiv Sena for her candidacy in Kannad, further cementing Shinde’s bid to consolidate allies and resources. With Maharashtra’s Assembly elections just weeks away, these realignments reflect an intensified race to secure key seats under the Mahayuti banner as both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances finalize their candidate lists.
