Shinde Sena considering Uddhav aide Milind Narvekar for Mumbai seat

While Narvekar chose to stick with Thackeray after the Eknath Shinde-led rebellion resulted in a split Shiv Sena, he still enjoys cordial relations with the CM

Mumbai: In a bid to create a buzz in the upcoming elections, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is exploring the possibility of fielding Milind Narvekar, secretary to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, in Mumbai. According to sources, the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is considering Narvekar as a potential candidate, despite his decision to remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray during the party split. Narvekar is known to maintain cordial relations with both Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Milind Narvekar still enjoys cordial relations with chief minister Eknath Shinde (HT Photo)

"Narvekar is one of the names being considered for the Mumbai North West constituency. We have sent feelers to him," said a senior legislator from the Shinde-led Sena. "He is a well-known figure among Sena's voter base, and his defection to the Shinde faction would be a setback for the Thackeray faction at this juncture. Moreover, Narvekar has an in-depth understanding of the Sena party organisation, and his insights would be valuable in countering the strategies of Sena (UBT)."

The legislator also revealed that the BJP is on board with exploring various candidates for the Mumbai South and Mumbai North West constituencies, and Narvekar is one of the options discussed. His background could prove useful in either of the seats, as Mumbai South has a traditional Shiv Sena stronghold from Parel to Byculla, while Mumbai North West has several areas where Shiv Sena enjoys support. Following the party split, the Thackeray faction had won the assembly by-election held in the Andheri East constituency, which falls under the Mumbai North West seat.

An aide to Chief Minister Shinde pointed out that Narvekar's skills could be utilised in building the Shiv Sena organisation, which is currently in disarray. Narvekar has been a close aide to Uddhav Thackeray for two decades and has closely observed the Sena's functioning, handling various tasks within the party organisation. When Narayan Rane quit the Shiv Sena in 2005, he squarely blamed Narvekar for controlling the decision-making process within the party.

Narvekar also shares a good relationship with Shinde, which is why Thackeray had chosen him to hold talks with the rebel MLAs in Surat when the first group had left Sena. Eyebrows were raised within the Sena when Chief Minister Shinde visited Narvekar's residence during the Ganesh festival after splitting the party and becoming chief minister. Despite speculation that he would join the Shinde-led party, Narvekar remained with the Thackeray faction. However, rumours of him switching sides have resurfaced.

Narvekar could not be reached for comment on the matter.