NCP (Ajit Pawar Faction) on the Path to Independent BMC Contention

As discussions for a potential merger between the differing factions of the Nationalist Congress Party remain on pause, the faction led by Ajit Pawar is making significant strides to independently contest the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

On Thursday, senior officials from the party’s Mumbai wing wrapped up their third round of strategic meetings, aimed at finalizing candidate choices and bolstering grassroots preparations. This initiative was spearheaded by state president and MP Sunil Tatkare, joined by prominent Mumbai figures like Nawab Malik, Sana Malik, and Zeeshan Siddiqui.

Reportedly, the Ajit Pawar group is targeting to contest approximately 60 seats within the civic framework, although a conclusive decision is awaited from the party's higher-ups. NCP MLA Sana Malik indicated that interviews are currently being conducted with interested candidates, and a shortlist of viable nominees has already been compiled.

“We are preparing to contest nearly 60 seats; however, we await final confirmation from our leadership,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing ward-wise assessments of electoral capabilities.

Alliance Discussions Currently Off the Agenda

In the meantime, the internal alliance dynamics within the governing Mahayuti have introduced further ambiguity. Both Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party have opted to exclude the NCP from initial discussions regarding seat distribution for the BMC elections. This decision reportedly arises from reservations regarding Nawab Malik’s recent appointment as the party’s Mumbai coordinator.

Reacting to the dissent, Sana Malik asserted that the NCP would independently determine its leadership and campaign agenda, emphasizing that the party would campaign rooted in the ideological legacies of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Awaiting the Final Call from Ajit Pawar

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Sunil Tatkare expressed that the party is nearing the conclusion of its Mumbai strategy formulation. “We have been conducting ongoing discussions with senior leaders for the past three days. A definitive decision will be made soon, and it’s highly possible that we may pursue the BMC elections independently,” he shared.

Concerning strategies for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, Tatkare relayed that the ultimate decision lies with the party’s national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has been instrumental in securing victories for the party in these civic bodies since 1999, and is meticulously reviewing possible candidates.

Keeping Options Open for Post-Election Alliances

While gearing up for a solo electoral campaign, the NCP remains open to the possibility of a post-election coalition. Party voices conveyed that the Mahayuti would be their primary choice for any post-election collaborations, contingent on the electoral outcome.

For the time being, with discussions on unification stalled and preparations intensifying, Ajit Pawar's NCP is resolutely set to challenge its strength independently in Mumbai's pivotal civic elections.