Ajit Pawar-Led NCP Likely To Go Solo In BMC Polls, Prepares To Contest 60 Seats

As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections draw near, political dynamics in Maharashtra are intensifying. Sources indicate that the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to contest the elections independently, potentially disrupting established alliances. The NCP is reportedly preparing to contest around 60 seats in the 227-member BMC. The elections for the BMC and 28 other municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with results to be declared the following day.

This decision to potentially go solo comes amidst a backdrop of complex seat-sharing negotiations within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP. Recent reports suggest that the BJP and Shiv Sena have finalized a seat-sharing agreement for 200 wards. However, the NCP's role within this alliance for the BMC elections remains uncertain.

Several factors may be contributing to the NCP's potential decision to contest independently. Ajit Pawar's faction has reportedly felt sidelined within the Mahayuti alliance, with the BJP taking a dominant role. The BJP's reluctance to accept Nawab Malik, an ex-minister, as the face of the NCP's Mumbai election campaign due to alleged ties to mob boss Dawood Ibrahim, further strained the relationship. Some analysts speculate that the BJP is wary of the NCP's support base among Muslim and Dalit voters, fearing it could alienate their core Hindu base.

By contesting independently, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP aims to assess its strength and influence in Mumbai. A strong performance in the BMC elections could provide the party with greater leverage in future alliances and negotiations. However, going solo also carries risks, as the NCP may face challenges in securing a significant number of seats without the support of a larger coalition.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is also grappling with its own internal dynamics. The Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP (NCP-SP) has been engaged in talks with both the Indian National Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to form a united front against the ruling alliance. However, seat-sharing has emerged as a major sticking point, with the NCP-SP seeking a significant number of seats.

The BMC elections are crucial for all political parties involved, as they represent a significant battleground for control of India's wealthiest civic body. The outcome of these elections will likely have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Maharashtra, influencing future alliances and power dynamics. With the NCP potentially charting its own course, the stage is set for a highly competitive and unpredictable electoral contest. The nomination process has commenced on December 23, and will continue until December 30, while January 2 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations. The final list of candidates will be published on January 3.