The political landscape in Mumbai is heating up as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar has taken a significant step towards the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. On Sunday, the party unveiled its first list of candidates, setting the stage for a fiercely contested poll.
NCP's Solo Flight in Mumbai Civic Polls
Despite being a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition at the state level, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has decided to contest the Mumbai civic polls independently. The party announced its first list of 37 candidates for the elections to the 227-ward BMC. Party MLA Sana Malik confirmed to reporters that a second list is expected to be released soon.
This independent stance comes amidst friction within the coalition. BJP's Mumbai city chief, Ameet Satam, had previously ruled out any electoral understanding with the NCP for the BMC polls. Satam cited the involvement of NCP leader Nawab Malik, who is overseeing the party's election management, as a key reason. Nawab Malik has been accused of money laundering and alleged links with associates of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
Multi-Cornered Contest Takes Shape
The electoral battlefield is becoming crowded with several parties finalizing their strategies. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has thrown its hat into the ring, announcing 51 candidates so far for the Mumbai civic body elections.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which initially planned to go solo, has now entered into an alliance with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). The party's screening committee met on Sunday to finalize its list of nominees. According to sources, the Congress will contest more than 150 seats in the BMC, with some seats being allocated to allies Rashtriya Samaj Paksha and the Republican Party of India (Gavai faction).
Key Dates and Statewide Polls
The elections are part of a larger democratic exercise across Maharashtra. Voting for 29 municipal corporations, including the financially powerful BMC, is scheduled for January 15. The votes will be counted on the very next day, January 16. For candidates, the clock is ticking, as the last date for filing nominations is December 30.
This election is seen as a critical test for all major political players in the state, especially after the recent shifts in alliances. The outcome will not only determine the control of India's richest municipal corporation but also set the tone for future political equations in Maharashtra.
