Mumbai: BJP to not contest Mayoral elections; NCP and Congress likely to field candidates

In the upcoming mayoral elections in Mumbai, BJP is set not to contest for the post as they are in minority. On the other hand, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress are likely to field their candidates. BJP leader Ashish Shelar stated that "BJP will not contest the Mumbai Mayor's elections as it is in minority in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and does not have the numbers. BJP does not want to have an alliance with any opposition party. In 2022, the party will have the numbers on its own."

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NCP to contest for Deputy Mayor post

On the other hand, NCP Mumbai President and spokesperson Nawab Malik has stated that the NCP will contest for the post of Deputy Mayor. Malik further stated that the NCP is extremely likely to support Shiv Sena for the post of the Mayor. Whereas Congress Mumbai President Eknath Gaikwad said that the Congress is ready to field its candidate against Shiv Sena and is waiting for the go-ahead from the high-command in Delhi. Gaikwad stated "We are in opposition in the BMC. We have sorted out 3-4 candidates, out of which one will file the nomination for the Mayor's post. We have enough time as the deadline for nomination is 6 pm today."

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Kadam lashes out at Shiv Sena 

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ram Kadam lashed out at Shiv Sena over the non-formation of government in Maharashtra. Kadam stated that "We are just listening about meeting news between leaders for 26 days. Why are they not forming the government? These people who don't have a common consensus on government formation can be trusted by farmers? This is a mocking of democracy of farmers of Maharashtra." Kadam added, "We have more than sufficient numbers to form the government. It is the gracious and generous nature of BJP of taking the friendly parties along with us including Sena. They have quit and we have not asked them to step out."

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