In preparation for the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar has submitted a list of 40 star campaigners to the State Election Commission. The list, announced by State President Sunil Tatkare, features prominent leaders and key party members aimed at spearheading the party’s outreach throughout the state. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar leads the list, followed by senior figures like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare.
The star campaigners list also includes influential personalities such as Hasan Mushrif, Nawab Malik, Dhananjay Munde, Narhari Zirwal, Aditi Tatkare, and Mushtaq Antulay. The party has ensured a blend of experienced leaders and young faces, including Amol Mitkari, Rupali Chakankar, Samir Bhujbal, film star Sayali Shinde, deputy speaker of the state assembly Anna Bansode, Sana Malik, and Zeeshan Siddique. However, notable veterans like minister Chhagan Bhujbal and former minister Dilip Walse Patil are absent from the roster.
NCP has unveiled its star campaigners list amidst hopes of participating in the MahaYuti alliance for the BMC elections. Additionally, the party anticipates a fair share in the Mahayuti alliance for the Thane Municipal Corporation. Internal sources within NCP suggest that if the expected seats in the Mahayuti alliance are not allocated, the party is prepared to contest independently in these two civic bodies. In Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, NCP is set for a friendly contest with the BJP.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed that the BJP and NCP will independently contest in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, engaging in a friendly battle to prevent a third-party advantage. Tatkare has mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the MahaYuti at various levels, hinting at a probable decision to contest these elections as part of the Mahayuti. He emphasized the need for multiple rounds of discussions within an alliance, considering the differing political landscapes across municipal corporations. NCP remains inclined towards contesting the civic body elections as a Mahayuti member.
