Uddhav by his side, Aaditya Thackeray files nomination from Worli after roadshow

The Sena leaders in Worli maintained that they would ensure Aaditya Thackeray's victory by more than one lakh votes if he would contest from the seat.

Ahead of his nomination, Aaditya sought blessings from Shiv Sena founder and grandfather Bal Thackeray. (Express photo by Prashant Nadkar)

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, the first member of the Thackeray clan to take a plunge into electoral politics, filed his nomination from Worli constituency in Mumbai on Thursday. Accompanied by party chief and father Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya filed his nomination after a roadshow by Shiv Sena workers.

An elated Uddhav Thackeray said he was confident of his son’s victory. “My father (Bal Thackeray) used to say that he won’t contest polls. I also say that I won’t contest elections. But this (Aaditya’s) is the new generation, which will take the state forward,” Uddhav said.

Ahead of his nomination, Aaditya paid tribute to Shiv Sena founder and his grandfather Bal Thackeray.

“Since childhood, I loved politics. Many Shiv Sainiks might have seen that I used to travel with my grandfather and father. Whenever my friends and others questioned me what else you can do apart from politics, I told them I can’t do anything apart from politics,” the 29-year-old had said.

🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uYgWnrnf1p

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) October 3, 2019

Since the Shiv Sena’s founding in the 1960s, no Thackeray family member in three generations has fought a direct election. So, Aaditya’s foray into election points to a fundamental shift in the Shiv Sena’s political thinking, which had so far insulated the Thackeray clan from playing a hands-on role in running governments.

In Pictures | Shiv Sena roadshow

“This is a historic step for me. As I am taking a big leap, I am not worried as all shiv sainiks are there with me,” the Sena scion had said.

Aaditya Thackeray filed his nomination from Worli today

The Sena leaders in Worli maintained that they would ensure Aaditya Thackeray’s victory by more than one lakh votes if he would contest from the seat. The Worli Assembly seat has been held by the Sena since 1999 except in 2009 and has remained its bastion.

Maharashtra goes to polls on October 21 and the results will be announced on October 24.