As BJP Backs His Rival, Shiv Sena’s Sadanand Sarvankar Says Won’t Back From Mahim Poll Fray

Shiv Sena MLA Sadanand Sarvankar, seeking re-election from Mumbai’s Mahim assembly seat, has made it clear that he will not withdraw from the race despite support from his party ally BJP to his rival Amit Thackeray. The Shiv Sena is in favor of backing MNS candidate Amit Thackeray, but not at the expense of Sarvankar, who was one of the legislators who backed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a rebellion in 2022. The BJP has declared support for Amit Thackeray, setting up a direct contest in the upcoming assembly polls. Sarvankar, with 40 years of experience as a Shiv Sena worker, is determined to contest from his constituency. The election will take place on November 20, with results announced three days later.