In a significant political shift, BJP spokesperson Shaina NC has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as she prepares to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from the Mumbadevi constituency. She is set to file her nomination today, marking her official entry into the race.
Expressing her gratitude, Shaina took to X, stating, “I would like to thank our hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, our dynamic Chief Minister @mieknathshinde ji, and Deputy CM Dev_Fadnavis ji, along with @AjitPawarSpeaks. Our Mahayuti leadership has given me an opportunity to serve the people of Mumbadevi for the assembly elections.” Her joining ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other prominent party leaders.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Shaina NC emphasized her deep connection to South Mumbai, where she has lived her entire life. “I realize the kind of challenges citizens here have to face, whether it is cluster development, local hygiene, or open spaces. I am committed to the people of Mumbai,” she stated.
Shaina expressed her desire to go beyond merely holding an MLA position, stating, “I want to be their voice. I believe that it is the collective consciousness of the administration, the legislature, and the citizens that needs to be showcased in terms of good public service. I assure the people that I have no PA; I answer all my calls, and I will always be accessible and accountable to my citizens and all my voters.”
The Mumbadevi constituency, part of the Mumbai Lok Sabha seat, has been represented in the Assembly by Congress’s Amin Patel since 2009. Earlier speculations suggested that Shaina NC might contest from Worli, but the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has instead nominated former Congress leader Milind Deora for that seat. Deora is set to challenge Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Uddhav Thackeray.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections on November 20, Shaina NC’s candidacy in Mumbadevi adds a fresh dynamic to the contest in this crucial constituency.