Milind Deora’s exit from the Congress to join the Shiv Sena, which is driven by Eknath Shinde, was a significant choice. Deora, who went into Parliament in 2004 and was once viewed as a youthful forerunner in Rahul Gandhi’s gathering, has chosen to leave the Congress. The decision was declared around the same time that the party is set to begin a cross country visit, has been making for quite a while.
The Congress believes Milind Deora’s leaving and its possible entrance into the Shiv Sena was part of a BJP strategy to divert attention out from the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. According to Jairam Ramesh, the party’s communication chief, Deora’s concern about losing the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat, which he has contested in the earlier four elections, is an inspiration. This seat is now held by Uddhav Thackeray‘s Shiv Sena, a current Congress ally.
In a new video, Milind Deora asked his supporters to remain calm and asked the Sena not to stake an interest in any Lok Sabha constituency until seat-sharing discussions had finished. Deora lost the Mumbai South seat to the Shiv Sena in 2014 and 2019, but remained decided to win back it. The BJP, with Arvind Sawant as one of its MPs who chose to stay with Uddhav Thackeray, is said to be campaigns for the constituency to remain loyal to their party.
Ramesh disclosed that Milind Deora looked for his help and spoke to him on Friday, expressing fears of losing his seat. Ramesh advised him to meet with Rahul Gandhi and discuss the issue. The Shiv Sena has traditionally won the last two elections in Mumbai South, which has a major Muslim population and a diverse demographic.
Milind Deora’s interest move to the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, could be influenced by the constituency’s population demographics. However, he may continue to receive support, as the BJP hasn’t given up its claim to Mumbai South, with names such as Rahul Narwekar and Mangalprabhat Lodha being floated.
Deora, a former Union Minister, became part of the Lok Sabha in 2004 and has served on multiple parliamentary committees. Despite being known for his imaginative and business-friendly approach, he was defeated by the Modi wave in 2014 and again in 2019. His return to Parliament could be through the Rajya Sabha in the upcoming elections.
While the Mumbai Congress chief has asked Deora to reconsider, he seems not likely to change his decision. Deora’s separation from the Congress is expected to end in a significant departure, with over ten former corporators and South Mumbai leaders joining the Shiv Sena. The change could give the Shiv Sena a much-needed moderate face with close ties to business leaders and Delhi’s political elite.