Ajit Pawar's NCP Prepares for BMC Elections Independently

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

With discussions about a potential merger between the Nationalist Congress Party's factions on hold, the Ajit Pawar-led group is gearing up for its independent campaign in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Key leaders from the party's Mumbai division wrapped up their third series of internal talks on Thursday, focusing on candidate selection and operational readiness. The meetings, directed by state party president and MP Sunil Tatkare, saw attendance from Mumbai's prominent figures including Nawab Malik, Sana Malik, and Zeeshan Siddiqui.

As per party insiders, the Ajit Pawar faction is targeting roughly 60 seats within the municipal body, although the final decision will be made by the higher-ups. NCP MLA Sana Malik confirmed that applicant interviews are currently in progress and that a robust shortlist of candidates is already established.

“We’re preparing to contest around 60 seats; however, we're awaiting final confirmation from our leadership,” she stated, mentioning that ward-wise organizational assessments are being conducted to gauge electoral strength.

Alliance Discussions Off for Now

In the meantime, the political landscape within the ruling Mahayuti adds to the uncertainty. Both Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party have opted to exclude the NCP from early seat-sharing negotiations for the BMC elections, a decision reportedly influenced by objections to Nawab Malik being selected as the Mumbai campaign coordinator.

In response, Sana Malik emphasized that the NCP would autonomously establish its leadership and campaign strategy, asserting that the party would approach the elections through the ideological legacy of figures like Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Awaiting Ajit Pawar's Final Decision

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Sunil Tatkare remarked that the party is nearing the finalization of its strategy for Mumbai. “We’ve held ongoing meetings with senior members over the last three days. A definitive decision will be reached soon. There’s a strong likelihood that we may approach the BMC elections solo,” he affirmed.

Regarding the party's tactics in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, Tatkare noted that the final say would belong to the national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has historically played a pivotal role in the party's victories in both local bodies since 1999 and is rigorously reviewing potential candidates.

Open to Post-Election Agreements

While the NCP readies for a solo campaign, it has also left the possibility of a post-election partnership open. Party officials indicated that their preference for any post-poll alliance would still be with the Mahayuti, contingent on the electoral outcome.

As reunion discussions remain suspended and preparations intensify, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP is poised to assert its strength independently in Mumbai’s consequential civic elections.