Has the NCP Unveiled its First Batch of 37 Candidates for the BMC Elections?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NCP announces first list of 37 candidates for BMC elections.
- Former minister Nawab Malik's family members included in nominations.
- Candidates represent diverse castes and communities.
- Second list of 32 candidates expected soon.
- NCP opts for independent approach amid seat-sharing talks.
Mumbai, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), under the leadership of Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare, has officially announced its inaugural list of 37 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Significantly, three members of the family of former minister and the party’s BMC elections in-charge, Nawab Malik, are among the nominees. This includes Malik's brother Abdul Rashid (Kaptan) Malik, his sister Saeeda Khan, and Abdul Rashid Malik’s daughter-in-law Bushra Malik.
This candidate list showcases a blend of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. A notable contender is Dhananjay (Dada) Pisal, who is running from Ward 111. Pisal recently departed from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and rejoined the NCP.
The candidates reflect a variety of castes and communities, such as Maratha, OBC, Muslim, Christian, Scheduled Castes, and women, aligning with the party’s ideology influenced by the progressive ideals of Shivaji, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar.
Moreover, the party is anticipated to announce a second batch of 32 candidates later tonight, followed by another list on Monday. Last week, party legislator Sana Malik indicated that the NCP might field around 100 candidates in the civic elections.
This development arises amidst a complicated seat-sharing scenario within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, where the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena hold significant influence. The NCP has yet to secure a position in the Mahayuti alliance, even after Tatkare held discussions with the BJP's BMC election in-charge and state IT Minister Ashish Shelar.
The BJP has frequently asserted its refusal to collaborate with the NCP, citing that the party's election management committee is led by former minister Nawab Malik, who is currently on bail for a money laundering case.
With the release of its first candidate list, the NCP has opted to proceed independently instead of awaiting further seat-sharing negotiations with the BJP.
The party has revealed plans to start distributing ‘AB Forms’ (official party nomination letters) to the selected candidates from Monday. The deadline for filing nominations is December 30, with polling scheduled for January 15.