Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray initiated the party’s campaign for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections by introducing its first candidate, Yashwant Killedar, for the Dadar (Shivaji Park) area. This move signifies the party’s focus on mobilizing support in Marathi-dominated regions of Mumbai. The MNS has aligned with Shiv Sena (UBT) to consolidate Marathi votes in the city.
The announcement of Killedar as the candidate comes as various parties in Mumbai are finalizing seat-sharing arrangements for the civic polls. Known for his active role in the Dadar-Mahim belt, Killedar aims to address civic infrastructure issues while preserving the area’s cultural identity. The Shivaji Park–Dadar region holds significance as the historical base for both Shiv Sena and MNS.
With the BMC elections approaching, the MNS is expected to reveal its full candidate list gradually. This strategic move is aimed at influencing vote shares, especially in Marathi-speaking localities. Senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar emphasized the importance of the elections for the Marathi community, alleging attempts to weaken Maharashtra’s influence in Mumbai. He urged voters to uphold the Marathi identity and support the alliance led by Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray.
