The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has intensified preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, unveiling an additional 13 candidates on Monday. Among the notable inclusions is BJP leader and spokesperson Shaina NC, who will represent the Shiv Sena in the Mumbadevi constituency. Mumbadevi, a historic seat in Mumbai, has been held by Congress since 2009, making Shaina’s candidacy an exciting shift as the ruling alliance seeks to gain ground in Congress-dominated areas.

This latest announcement follows a list released just a day earlier, featuring 20 other candidates, as the Shiv Sena moves swiftly to finalize its slate for the November 20 polls. High-profile nominations include Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora, who will challenge Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray in Worli, an intense and closely watched race. Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam has also been fielded, this time from Dindoshi. At the same time, Nilesh Rane, son of BJP MP and ex-Chief Minister Narayan Rane, will contest from Kudal, strengthening the alliance’s presence in the Konkan region.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde filed his nomination from the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency, receiving a ceremonial send-off after seeking blessings from Yogiraj Maharaj Goswami, a descendant of Sant Eknath Maharaj. Speaking on his vision for Maharashtra, Shinde emphasized the theme of “Vikas (development) versus Vinash (destruction),” highlighting the stakes in this election as he called for a future of progress. In a direct contest, Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Kedar Dighe, nephew of the late influential Thane leader Anand Dighe, to oppose Shinde in Kopri-Pachpakhadi, setting up another intense battle.

The Maharashtra assembly elections see the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction—facing off against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. Both alliances have launched extensive statewide campaigns, leaving no stone unturned as they vie for control over the state’s 288 assembly seats.

The stakes are high, given the competitive history of Maharashtra politics. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 105 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena with 56 and Congress with 44. The 2014 elections saw a stronger showing for the BJP with 122 seats, while Shiv Sena and Congress won 63 and 42 seats, respectively.

The outcome of the November 20 elections, with results to be announced on November 23, will be pivotal, shaping the political landscape of Maharashtra and influencing alliances and strategies at the national level as India heads toward general elections.