Shaina NC quits BJP, files nomination as Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbadevi seat

Mumbai: BJP spokesperson Shaina NC has resigned from her party and filed nomination as the candidate of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena from the Mumbadevi assembly constituency in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Before submitting her nomination papers, Shaina visited the temple of Mumbai's patron goddess Mumbadevi to seek blessings for her campaign for the November 20 elections.

Shaina will square off against Congress' Amin Patel from Mumbadevi, which is a part of Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency.

"I filed my nomination papers from the Mumbadevi seat. I have resigned from the BJP and joined the Shiv Sena," she told PTI.

She expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance, asserting that it will secure victory in the state polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

"Today filed nomination as the Mahayuti candidate from Mumbadevi assembly constituency. It is clear from the enthusiasm of the people and workers present during this time and their unwavering faith in Mahayuti that the Mahayuti government is going to be formed again in the state with a huge majority,” Shaina said.

"Together we all will work day and night for the all-round development of the Mumbadevi area,” she added.

Mumbadevi is one of the 10 constituencies in Mumbai City district.

Amin Patel has remained undefeated in this constituency, comprising Muslim-dominated pockets, since 2009.

In 2019, Patel defeated Shiv Sena (undivided) candidate Pandurang Sakpal by around 23,000 votes.

The Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat was won by Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) in recent polls. He defeated Yamini Jadhav of Shiv Sena.