In search of a formidable candidate to challenge Shiv Sena (UBT) second-in-command Aaditya Thackeray from the Worli Assembly constituency, Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora’s name has cropped up in conversations within the rival Sena faction.

In 2019, it was smooth sailing for Aaditya because of a lack of strong opponents. At the time, the undivided Sena, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, inflicted a crushing defeat on the undivided Nationalist Congress Party’s nominee, Suresh Mane. Aaditya bagged over 72 per cent of the total votes polled and recorded a victory margin of over 67,000.