Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party {BJP) has decided to back Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar in the Mahim constituency over Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, signalling a shift in strategy within the Mahayuti alliance.

This decision follows failed attempts by the BIF to broker consensus with MNS for Amit's candidacy. Sarvankar, a three-term legislator, had refused to step aside despite intense pressure from BIP, who initially sought a unified front with MNS to contest the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) bloc, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. However, when Raj Thackeray declined to meet Sarvankar, the BJP had no choice but to abandon its MNS outreach and align firmly with Sarvankar under alliance loyalty.

A Reshuffle Without Consequence

This reshuffle is not without consequence, the Mahim seat an electoral battleground, will now see a three-way fight between Sarvankar, Amit Thackeray (MNS), and Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Mahesh Sawant. With Sarvankar on the Mahayuti ticket, BIP and its allies hope to checkmate both MVA rivals and MNS. Ashish Shelar, a senior BIP leader, confirmed the decision, stating that Mahayuti’s focus will now be on securing Sarvankat's victory. Nonetheless, he hinted at the possibility of further discussion among Mahayuti leaders should alliance partners reconsider the strategy.

Despite extensive discussions and BIP's maneuvering, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ultimately respected Sarvankar’s decision, leaving the BJP's earlier plans for MNS support in limbo. Sarvankar had initially considered withdrawing but felt the need to ensure his party's dominance in Mahim, even if it meant sidelining the Thackeray heir.