Maharashtra Election 2024: Who is Varun Sardesai? Shiv Sena's (UBT) pick for high-profile Bandra seat

Sardesai has been instrumental in shaping the Yuva Sena's election strategies for years.

Varun Sardesai, on Wednesday, was announced as one of the 65 candidates by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in its first list, marking his electoral debut from the Bandra East constituency. As a prominent leader in the Yuva Sena, Sardesai will contest against Zeeshan Siddique, who entered the race seeking sympathy votes following the recent murder of his father, Baba Siddique, a leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Sardesai, a civil engineering graduate from a US university and a resident of Vile Parle, has been making his mark in Maharashtra politics as a prominent leader in the Yuva Sena. In recent years, Sardesai, son of Aaditya Thackeray's maternal aunt, has emerged as a powerful voice within the Yuva Sena, spearheading several high-profile protests that have solidified his influence. One of his defining moments occurred in April 2022, when he led a large-scale protest against Independent lawmakers Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana, who had publicly challenged the Thackerays by threatening to chant the Hanuman Chalisa outside Matoshree. He mobilised thousands of Sainiks for a dramatic 48-hour demonstration outside the Ranas' home, ultimately forcing them to back down, highlighting his ability to rally the party's base during critical moments.

Behind the scenes, Sardesai has been instrumental in shaping the Yuva Sena's election strategies for years. Officially appointed as the youth wing's secretary in 2018, he has played a crucial role in crafting election strategies, managing data collection, and overseeing party surveys, skills that have contributed to multiple electoral victories.

Following the split in the Sena, he faced criticism from within the Yuva Sena, including from a close aide of Thackeray who defected to the Shinde faction, accusing him of excessive interference in the organisation’s daily operations. Nevertheless, Sardesai remains a key figure to watch as he navigates the complexities of Maharashtra's political landscape.