In a surprising move, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Monday fielded Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shaina NC from the Mumbadevi seat amid a tussle among the ruling ally partners over several seats for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
Shaina NC, 51, will file her nomination on Tuesday, which is also the last day for filing the nomination papers.
The Mumbadevi constituency is a part of the Mumbai Lok Sabha seat and has been represented by the Congress since 2009.
Shaina NC was in the fray for the Worli seat, but it went to Shiv Sena's Milind Deora. Therefore, fielding her from the Mumbadevi seat is seen as Sena's way of making peace.
"I am not at all upset. It is the party and the alliance's decision to select the candidate. I congratulate my friend Milind Deora on his candidature as the Mahayuti candidate for the prestigious Worli assembly constituency," Saina NC was quoted as saying by news agency ANI after the announcement.
"As an alliance, the decision to select a candidate is always the prerogative of the leadership. Our party believes in nation first, party next and individual last. Our agenda is development for Mumbai and Maharashtra is taken to new heights," she had added.
The Worli seat will see a high-profile contest between Deora and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
Maharashtra will vote for the assembly elections on November 20, with counting of votes set for November 23.
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