Mumbai, Jan 2 (NationPress) Nawab Malik, a prominent figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Chairman of the Mumbai Regional NCP Election Management Committee, ignited a political discussion on Friday by asserting that his party is on track to capture the Mayor's seat in Mumbai.

In his first press conference after more than three years, the former minister likened the situation to national politics, stating: "If a party with a single seat can govern in Jharkhand, the NCP can certainly clinch the Mayor's position in Mumbai with 30 seats."

Malik emphasized that the true strength and influence of the NCP would be revealed on January 16.

He noted that the party has nominated 94 candidates throughout Mumbai, focusing on social inclusivity. The candidates represent a diverse array of professions, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, vegetable vendors, and sanitation workers.

Malik highlighted the party's commitment to substantial representation for women, Marathi speakers, North Indians, South Indians (especially Telugu speakers), and minority communities, including Muslims and Christians.

He expressed appreciation to NCP National President Ajit Pawar for his unwavering support, mentioning that Pawar opted to run independently rather than bow to pressure from potential allies who opposed Malik's participation.

The NCP leader raised significant issues regarding the actions of Returning Officers (ROs), alleging that legal processes were circumvented to favor specific candidates. He confirmed that the party would submit an official complaint to the State Election Commission.

Malik claimed that in ward 151, a BJP candidate was permitted to run for a reserved seat using a caste certificate issued in Rajasthan instead of Maharashtra, which he labeled as illegal. In ward 119, he alleged that a candidate from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was approved to contest despite being a municipal vendor, which he argued violates electoral regulations.

Furthermore, he accused officials in M Ward, S Ward, and Vikhroli of making "midnight decisions" to qualify ineligible candidates and warned that these officials could face serious repercussions once the issues are brought before the High Court.

“We will address these concerns with the Election Commission. The code of conduct must be strictly enforced, and our complaint should be taken seriously,” Malik asserted.

He reiterated that officials implicated in alleged irregularities might lose their positions if the allegations are substantiated in court.

Clarifying the party's electoral strategy, Malik stated that the NCP is contesting independently and facing various opponents depending on the constituency.

“In certain areas, we are up against the BJP, while in others, we contend with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena or the Congress. We are confident of seizing several seats from the BJP,” he concluded.