Sat Nov 23 15:54:56 UTC 2024: **Shiv Sena UBT Candidate Wins Vandre East Assembly Seat in Maharashtra**
MUMBAI, INDIA – Varun Sardesai of the Shiv Sena (UBT) has secured victory in the Vandre East (Bandra East) assembly constituency, defeating Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late Baba Siddique, by a margin of 11,365 votes. Sardesai, a cousin of Aaditya Thackeray, received 57,708 votes, while Siddique garnered 46,343 votes. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s T Bala Sawant finished third.
Despite a strong showing by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance across Maharashtra, Siddique’s loss represents a significant upset. He had previously held the seat for the Congress party but was expelled this year. Before the election, he joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.
In a statement on X, Siddique conceded the election, stating he humbly accepts the mandate of the people and wishes Sardesai well. He pledged to continue working for the betterment of Vandre East. The election was marked by tragedy, with Baba Siddique’s murder taking place near Zeeshan Siddique’s office just months before the polls. A total of 1,912 voters opted for NOTA in the constituency.
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