NEW DELHI: Milind Deora, Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbai’s Worli seat took a potshot at Aaditya Thackeray for “avoiding” his challenge to debate on the future of the assembly constituency.
Ahead of the polling in Maharashtra, Deora had invited Thackeray, who is Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate and incumbent Worli MLA, for an open debate on issues concerning Mumbai, Worli and Maharashtra.
Deora said Thakeray should not “avoid” debate in the election if he claims himself to be pro-democracy.
“A few days ago, I invited Aaditya Thackeray to debate the future of Worli, the future of Mumbai, and the future of Maharashtra. He claims to believe in democracy and strengthening it. During the Lok Sabha elections, he spoke about the importance of candidates engaging in debates. Why is he avoiding a debate in this election? If he claims to be pro-democracy and pro-debates, why is he running away from one?” Deora told news agency ANI.
The Shiv Sena candidate, who is fighting under the Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP and NCP, accused Thackeray’s party of “distributing money in exchange for votes”.
“We found out that yesterday, his [Aaditya Thackeray’s] party was distributing money and installing cameras in building societies to buy votes. One of his party leaders from Worli was caught on video admitting to providing these cameras to buy votes but refused to name the leader responsible, citing the code of conduct,” Deora claimed.
The Maharashtra assembly elections will be held on November 20 and votes are set to be counted on November 23.
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MVA performed strongly, winning 30 out of 48 seats, while the Mahayuti secured 17.