Shiv Sena has released a second list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena fielded Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora against Sena (UBT) nominee Aaditya Thackeray from Worli. The announcement follows the release of its first list, which included 45 candidates, last week on October 23.
In the new list, prominent leaders such as Sanjay Nirupam and Nilesh N Rane, son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane, have been announced as candidates. Sanjay Nirupam is set to contest from the Dindoshi Assembly constituency, while Nilesh N Rane has been fielded from the Kudal Assembly constituency.
Notably, Deora had hinted at his contest for Worli assembly seat in a social media post earlier this week. "Chief Minister @mieknathshinde ji believes that justice for Worli and Worlikars is long overdue. Together, we're paving the way forward and will share our vision soon. It's Worli NOW!" Deora posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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Maharashtra Election: Shiv Sena's First Candidate List
In the first list released on October 23, Shiv Sena had re-nominated sitting legislators and ministers who stood by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the bi-furcation of the party. Chief Minister Shinde is once again contesting from Kapri-Pachpakhadi. The first list also included key leaders such as Gulabrao Patil (Jalgaon Rural), Sanjay Rathod (Digras), and Uday Samant (Ratnagiri), among others.
The party's announcements come amid ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with allies BJP and NCP, where Shiv Sena aims to secure at least 80 seats for the upcoming elections. The nomination deadline is set for October 29, with the state going to the polls on November 20.