Shaina NC switches from BJP to Shiv Sena, set to contest Mumbadevi seat

In a surprising move, BJP leader Shaina NC has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena just hours after being named as a BJP candidate for the upcoming assembly elections. Shaina was listed among 15 candidates fielded by the Shiv Sena and has been nominated to contest from the Mumbadevi Assembly seat in Mumbai on a BJP ticket. Her shift to Shiv Sena came shortly after the announcement, marking a strategic switch as the elections draw near.

A fashion designer by profession and a well-known BJP spokesperson, Shaina initially expressed interest in running from Worli. However, that seat went to Milind Deora, Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP and a former Congress leader, who is up against Aaditya Thackeray from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction. Despite her initial preference for Worli, Shaina has embraced the opportunity to represent Mumbadevi, thanking PM Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar for supporting her candidacy.

In a conversation with ANI, Shaina expressed her dedication to serving the citizens of Mumbai, focusing on improving local amenities and addressing issues like cluster development, hygiene, and open spaces. She spoke of her lifelong experience in South Mumbai and the challenges residents face. "I see this as an opportunity to serve Mumbaikars as ‘pradhan sewaks’ (prime servants)," she stated. Shaina emphasized her commitment to direct communication with her constituents, pledging to be accessible and accountable, without relying on a personal assistant to handle calls.

Shaina plans to visit the Mumba Devi Temple on Tuesday morning before filing her nomination, aligning her campaign with a commitment to her roots in Mumbai. She noted that Mahayuti, the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition, carefully strategizes each candidate's placement to maximize their influence and public service.

Similar to Shaina, Sanjana Jadhav, daughter of BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, also switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena after being nominated for the Kannad Assembly seat on a BJP ticket. Both candidates' moves underline the shifting dynamics within the Mahayuti alliance as candidates seek optimal positions within the coalition.