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NCP Fields Nawab Malik's Kin in BMC Polls, Goes Solo Amid Alliance Snub

The Nationalist Congress Party has released its first list of 37 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, notably nominating three family members of former minister Nawab Malik. The list reflects a diverse mix of castes and communities in line with the party's ideology. This move comes as the party has decided to contest solo after failing to secure a place within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with the BJP refusing to partner citing Malik's leadership role. The NCP plans to announce more candidates, aiming to field around 100 nominees in total for the January 15 polls.

Key Points: NCP's First BMC Candidate List: Nawab Malik Family Members Nominated

  • First list of 37 candidates released
  • Three family members of Nawab Malik nominated
  • Party opts to contest solo after BJP snub
  • Diverse caste and community representation
  • More candidate lists to follow
2 min read

NCP releases first list of 37 candidates for BMC polls; ex-minister Nawab Malik's 3 family members among nominees

NCP releases first list of 37 BMC candidates, including 3 family members of Nawab Malik, as party decides to contest solo after BJP alliance talks stall.

"The NCP has decided to go solo instead of waiting further for seat-sharing talks with the BJP. - Report"

Mumbai, Dec 28

The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare, on Sunday released its first list of 37 candidates for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Notably, three family members of former minister and party's in-charge for the BMC polls Nawab Malik have been given nominations. They include Malik's brother Abdul Rashid (Kaptan) Malik, his sister Saeeda Khan and Abdul Rashid (Kaptan) Malik's daughter-in-law Bushra Malik.

The list features a mix of experienced leaders and new faces. Among the prominent candidates is Dhananjay (Dada) Pisal, who has been fielded from Ward 111. Pisal quit the Sharad Pawar-led NCP earlier in the day and joined the NCP.

The candidates represent diverse castes and communities, including Maratha, OBC, Muslim, Christian, Scheduled Castes and women, in line with the party's ideology inspired by the progressive thoughts of Shivaji, Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar.

The party is likely to announce a second list of 32 candidates later tonight and another list on Monday. Party legislator Sana Malik had said last week that the NCP may field around 100 candidates in the civic polls.

The development comes amid a complex seat-sharing situation within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, where the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena remain dominant players. The NCP has not found a place in the Mahayuti so far, despite Tatkare holding meetings with BJP's BMC election in-charge and state IT Minister Ashish Shelar.

The BJP has repeatedly stated that it would not tie up with the NCP, citing the fact that the party's election management committee is headed by former minister Nawab Malik, who is currently out on bail in a money laundering case.

With the release of its first list of candidates, the NCP has decided to go solo instead of waiting further for seat-sharing talks with the BJP.

The party has announced that it will begin distributing 'AB Forms' (official party nomination letters) to the announced candidates from Monday. December 30 is the last date for filing nominations, while polling is scheduled for January 15.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
At least they are fielding a diverse set of candidates from different communities. Representation matters in a city like Mumbai. Hope these new faces actually work for the people and not just for their party bosses.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the political dynamics here. The BJP refusing to ally because of Nawab Malik's legal issues, NCP going solo... BMC elections are always a high-stakes drama. Will be watching how this affects the Mahayuti alliance's performance.
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Aman W
Dhananjay Pisal joining and getting a ticket on the same day? This is pure "Aya Ram, Gaya Ram" politics. Parties have no ideology left, only power. The common Mumbaikar just wants good roads, water, and clean streets. Focus on that!
K
Kavya N
As a Mumbaikar, my only request to all candidates: please solve the pothole problem before the next monsoon! We are tired of this yearly struggle. All the best to those who genuinely want to serve. 🙏
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Vikram M
Going solo might be a smart move for NCP. In a multi-cornered contest, they can consolidate their traditional vote bank without having to make compromises with BJP or Shinde Sena. But they need a very strong local agenda for BMC.

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