Summary:
The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday released its first list of 27 candidates, with former corporator Sandeep Deshpande (Mahim) and its lone corporator Sanjay Turde (Kalina) among prominent names. Additionally, while former MNS MLA Nitin Sardesai has stayed away from fighting from Mahim, the party has also not announced a nominee from Shivdi, which was earlier represented by senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar. There is a likelihood that the senior, first-rung MNS leadership may sit out of these elections, in favour of younger leaders. In 2009, the MNS shocked political pundits by winning 13 seats in the state Assembly in its political debut. Sonawane switched sides to the Shiv Sena before the recent Lok Sabha elections..