The Andheri East Assembly bypoll would be the first electoral test for the two factions of Shiv Sena following the rebellion and consequent split in the party. Rutuja Latke, team Uddhav Thackeray's candidate for the November 3 bypoll, will file her nomination today. Speaking to NDTV, party leader Aaditya Thackeray called the poll battle a fight against fascism. "Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray is very important for us because the Election Commission has shown no one can separate Shiv Sena from Uddhav Thackeray and Balasaheb," Mr Thackeray said.
The bypoll is seen as a litmus test for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena to prove his strength ahead of the civic body elections.
"It's a fight for democracy and constitution," Aaditya Thackeray said.