What’s Next for NCP as They Release Second List of Candidates?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal moment for Mumbai's political landscape, the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, has revealed its second list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. This follows their first announcement of 37 candidates, with significant representation from various communities. Key alliances are forming, reshaping the region's electoral dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- NCP's second candidate list includes 27 nominees for the BMC elections.
- Strong representation from the Muslim community with 10 candidates.
- Strategic alliances are forming, notably with Shiv Sena.
- Political shifts are occurring with leaders switching parties.
- The elections are crucial for determining local governance in Mumbai.
Mumbai, Dec 29 (NationPress) The NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, unveiled its second roster of 27 candidates for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for January 15. This follows their initial announcement of 37 candidates the previous day. Among the 27 nominees, 10 are from the Muslim community.
During a press briefing, State President and MP Sunil Tatkare shared that the party intends to unveil another list on Tuesday morning, marking the final day for nomination submissions.
“We evaluated the NCP’s electoral strategies in Mumbai and across Maharashtra in the company of party’s national working president Praful Patel and other key figures. The party has formed a coalition with Shiv Sena in Nashik, and as part of the Mahayuti alliance in Panvel. Negotiations are ongoing with other municipal corporations, and a decision regarding these alliances will be finalized late on Monday,” he elaborated.
Tatkare also indicated that the party would soon announce the inclusion of leaders from various factions.
Previously, on Sunday, the NCP disclosed its first batch of 37 candidates for the BMC elections. Notably, Nawab Malik, a former minister and the party's BMC election coordinator, has three family members included in the nominations: his brother Abdul Rashid (Kaptan) Malik, his sister Saeeda Khan, and Bushara Malik, the daughter-in-law of Abdul Rashid. The candidate list reflects a blend of experienced leaders and newcomers.
A significant addition is Dhananjay (Dada) Pisal for Ward 111, who recently departed from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and rejoined the party. The candidates represent various castes and communities, including Maratha, OBC, Muslim, Christian, Scheduled Castes, and women, aligning with the party’s foundational principles rooted in the progressive philosophies of Shiv, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar.
The NCP is independently contesting the BMC elections as the BJP has opted not to include them in the MahaYuti coalition.
In a parallel development, the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP has put forth a list of seven candidates for the BMC elections shortly after Rakhi Jadhav, the party’s Mumbai chief, defected to the BJP. The NCP has chosen to collaborate with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the election. The NCP (SP) is experiencing a significant shift with many leaders opting to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, with little effort from the NCP (SP) to retain them.
Recently, Prashant Jagtap, NCP SP’s Pune chief and former mayor, joined Congress, voicing strong opposition to the collaboration with the Ajit Pawar-led faction in the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Before Jadhav’s departure, several Mumbai leaders, including former corporator Dhananjay Pisal, Manish Dubey, former corporator Manisha Rahate, and general secretary Ashok Panchal, transitioned to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
Another party figure, Nitin Deshmukh, who sought a ticket for his wife, met with NCP leaders but ultimately chose to withdraw his nomination.
“Indeed, it is a fact that individuals are leaving our party. The leadership has made specific choices, and those unwilling to conform are exiting,” remarked NCP-SP spokesperson Clyde Crasto.
Point of View
The NCP's strategy under Ajit Pawar's leadership highlights their intent to remain a dominant force in local governance. The formation of alliances, alongside the departure of key figures to rival factions, illustrates the complexities of regional politics. It’s crucial to monitor how these developments will influence voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What date are the BMC elections scheduled for?
The BMC elections are slated to take place on January 15.
How many candidates has the NCP announced?
The NCP has released a total of 64 candidates, with 37 in the first list and 27 in the second.
What communities are represented in the NCP candidates?
The candidates come from diverse communities, including Maratha, OBC, Muslim, Christian, and Scheduled Castes.
Why is the NCP contesting independently?
The NCP is contesting independently because the BJP declined to include them in the MahaYuti alliance.
Who are some notable candidates in the NCP's lists?
Notable candidates include Abdul Rashid Malik and Dhananjay Pisal for Ward 111.
