"Why is he running away from a debate?": Milind Deora on Aditya Thackeray

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 16 : Shinde-led Shiv Sena candidate from Maharashtra's Worli assembly constituency, Milind Deora, questioned why sitting Worli MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray is avoiding a debate.
Earlier, Milind Deora had invited Aaditya Thackeray for an open debate on issues concerning Mumbai, Worli, and Maharashtra.
Deora told ANI, "A few days ago, I invited Aaditya Thackeray to debate the future of Worli, the future of Mumbai, and the future of Maharashtra. He claims to believe in democracy and strengthening it. During the Lok Sabha elections, he spoke about the importance of candidates engaging in debates. Why is he avoiding a debate in this election? If he claims to be pro-democracy and pro-debates, why is he running away from one?"
The Shiv Sena candidate also accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of distributing money in exchange for votes.
He added, "We found out that yesterday, his [Aaditya Thackeray's] party was distributing money and installing cameras in building societies to buy votes. One of his party leaders from Worli was caught on video admitting to providing these cameras to buy votes but refused to name the leader responsible, citing the code of conduct."
Campaigning in Maharashtra has intensified as both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) compete for voters' support.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes set to be counted on November 23.
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MVA performed strongly, winning 30 out of 48 seats, while the Mahayuti secured 17.