The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has become the first party from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to announce its candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Among the notable developments, the Congress has left Mumbai's Bandra East seat for its ally, Shiv Sena (UBT), sparking political friction within the alliance.
Following Shiv Sena (UBT)'s declaration of Varun Sardesai, Aaditya Thackeray's close aide and cousin, as its candidate for Bandra East, the sitting MLA Zeeshan Siddique took a jibe at Congress. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Siddique remarked, "Staying together was never in their nature," implying discontent over Congress's decision to relinquish the seat. However, the remark has backfired, with critics pointing out that it was Siddique who strayed from Congress during critical times.
Notably, the Congress recently expelled Siddique for his 'anti-party activities' after he was seen attending events alongside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, including the NCP leader's Jan Samman Yatra in Mumbai. Siddique's association with Pawar, a prominent figure in the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction, has fueled speculation that he may contest the Bandra East seat under Pawar's banner.
Siddique?s criticism of Congress intensified following the Shiv Sena (UBT)?s announcement. He posted on X, "I have heard that old friends have declared themselves as candidates from Vandre East. 'Keep a relationship with only those who give you respect and honour, Meaning there is no benefit in increasing the crowd'. Now the public will decide!!!!" His comments have sparked further backlash, with many accusing him of disloyalty to the party that once backed him.
While speculation grows that the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction will field Zeeshan Siddique in Bandra East, no formal announcement has been made yet. The constituency is shaping up to be a battleground between Varun Sardesai of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Siddique, if nominated by NCP.
Adding to the political drama, Zeeshan?s father, Baba Siddique, a long-term Congress leader and former MLA from Bandra, was recently assassinated on October 12. Baba Siddique had exited the Congress earlier this year to join Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, and his son was expected to follow suit before the tragic turn of events. The murder of Baba Siddique has intensified political maneuvering in the Bandra East constituency, with both Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP-Ajit Pawar faction vying for dominance in the area ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.
As political tensions rise, all eyes are on the final candidate lists and the forthcoming electoral battle in Bandra East, a seat now symbolizing the deepening cracks within Maharashtra?s political alliances.
