Who are the 87 nominees released by Maha Congress for BMC polls?
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Synopsis
The Congress party has announced its first list of 87 candidates for the BMC elections, following a strategic alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. With a focus on unity and democracy, the party aims to champion the rights of Mumbaikars, featuring a significant number of female candidates in its lineup. Will this alliance change the electoral landscape in Mumbai?
Key Takeaways
- Congress has announced 87 candidates for BMC elections.
- Alliance with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi formed to strengthen electoral position.
- 36 women candidates included in the lineup.
- Nazia Ashfaque Siddiqui to contest against Geeta Gawli.
- Focus on defending democracy and Mumbaikar's rights.
Mumbai, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Congress party has unveiled its initial roster of 87 candidates for the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the party's alliance with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) for these civic elections.
Furthermore, the candidate list features participants from crucial city regions, such as Colaba, Mumbadevi, Malabar Hill, Byculla, Versova, Andheri, Jogeshwari, Dindoshi, Goregaon, Kurla, Kalina, Dharavi, Bandra, Chandivali, Walada, Sion Koliwada, Chembur, Mulund, Bhandup, Malad, Mankhurd, Dahisar, and Kandivali.
The President of the Mumbai unit, Varsha Gaikwad, stated, "We will advocate for every Mumbaikar's rights. With unity, organization, and commitment, the Mumbai Congress approaches this election ready and resolute. We will champion the common Mumbaikar and defend democracy alongside our allies. The path ahead is challenging, but the public is with us, and we will prevail."
Among the 87 candidates, Congress has nominated 36 women from the Open, SC, and OBC categories. In Ward No. 212 (Byculla), Congress has nominated Nazia Ashfaque Siddiqui, who is set to compete against Geeta Gawli, the eldest daughter of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli.
Geeta Gawli has filed her nomination for Ward No. 212 representing the Akhil Bharatiya Sena.
Initially, the Congress party had planned to run independently but later decided to partner with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. The party has chosen to distance itself from any alliances with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena following its partnership with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
In a related note, state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal remarked, "The Congress and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) are instinctive partners sharing a unified agenda of upholding constitutional values. Historically, Congress and VBA, in its previous form as Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, collaborated successfully before 1999. I’m pleased to announce that we are now joining forces for the Mumbai elections."
Point of View
The announcement by the Congress party holds significant implications for the political landscape in Mumbai. The strategic alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi signals a concerted effort to consolidate votes and present a united front against their rivals. As Mumbai's civic elections approach, the focus on women's representation and grassroots issues will shape the discourse surrounding these elections.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Congress party's alliance with VBA?
The alliance aims to consolidate votes and strengthen their position in the upcoming BMC elections, focusing on shared values and a common agenda.
How many candidates has Congress fielded in the BMC elections?
Congress has announced a total of 87 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
Who are some notable candidates in the Congress list?
One notable candidate is Nazia Ashfaque Siddiqui, contesting against Geeta Gawli in Ward No. 212.
What is the gender representation in Congress's candidate list?
Of the 87 candidates, 36 are women, showcasing a commitment to gender representation.
What was Congress's strategy before the alliance with VBA?
Initially, Congress planned to contest the elections independently but shifted strategy to join forces with VBA for enhanced electoral support.
