Against the backdrop of the upcoming municipal elections, all political parties have accelerated their campaigns and are in the process of announcing lists of star campaigners. In this context, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has released a list of 40 star campaigners, sending a significant political message. The inclusion of former minister Nawab Malik, who faces strong opposition from the BJP, has sparked discussions in political circles. This list was announced by NCP state president MP Sunil Tatkare, and it includes Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, National Working President Praful Patel, State President Sunil Tatkare, along with several ministers, MLAs, and former ministers.
Chhagan Bhujbal's name removed; Sameer Bhujbal gets a chance
The name of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has been removed from this list. He was not included in the previous municipal elections either. The party has clarified that due to medical reasons, he is currently unable to participate in active campaigning, which is why his name is not on the list. Former MP Sameer Bhujbal has been given the opportunity as a star campaigner in his place.
Three star campaigners from the same family
There is also discussion as three members from the same family are included in this list. State President Sunil Tatkare, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, and former MLA Aniket Tatkare are all in the list of star campaigners.
Ajit Pawar's Firm Trust in Nawab Malik
The BJP had openly expressed dissatisfaction over giving the responsibility of Mumbai's campaign to Nawab Malik. BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam had clearly stated that if Nawab Malik is given the responsibility of Mumbai, there will be no BJP-NCP alliance. However, Ajit Pawar ignored the BJP's opposition and made Nawab Malik a star campaigner, and also gave him the responsibility of Mumbai. According to political analysts, Ajit Pawar has calculated to attract Muslim voters through Nawab Malik. However, it is being speculated that this could likely affect the BJP-NCP alliance in Mumbai. The repercussions of this may also be seen in the elections of other local self-government bodies in the state.
Nationalist Congress Party's Chief Star Campaigners
This list includes Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, MP Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Minister Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Narhari Zirwal, Babasaheb Patil, Makarand Patil, Dattatraya Bharane, Assembly Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, Minister Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State Indranil Naik, former Minister Dharmaraobaba Atram, Anil Patil, Sanjay Bansode, senior leader Nawab Malik, MLA Amol Mitkari, Sana Malik-Shaikh, Women's State President Rupali Chakankar, former MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui, Aniket Tatkare, among many other leaders.
This list of star campaigners announced by the Nationalist Congress Party is likely to have far-reaching effects on the politics of the state alliance and coalition, not just limited to campaigning. The inclusion of Nawab Malik clearly indicates a change in the political equations in Mumbai.