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The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are rapidly approaching, and political parties are finalizing their candidate lists and strategies to secure victory. In a significant development, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) released its second list of candidates on Friday morning, outlining its plans for key constituencies. The list reveals a strategic mix of experienced leaders and newcomers, aiming to capitalize on the current political landscape.
One of the most notable inclusions in the NCP's list is Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late former minister Baba Siddique. Zeeshan, previously a Congress MLA, was expelled from the party and subsequently joined the NCP on the same day the list was announced. He is set to contest from the Bandra East seat in Mumbai, a crucial constituency in the state. This decision marks a significant shift for Zeeshan, who had previously signaled his leaning towards the NCP through his presence at a rally alongside Ajit Pawar. The recent tragic death of his father due to a gangland attack has undoubtedly influenced his political decisions, further solidifying his association with the NCP. Zeeshan's opponent in Bandra East is Varun Sardesai, a cousin of Aaditya Thackeray and the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate for the constituency. The election in Bandra East is expected to be a fierce contest, with both candidates drawing on their family legacies and political affiliations.
Another noteworthy inclusion in the NCP's candidate list is Sana Malik, daughter of MLA Nawab Malik. Sana will run for office in her father's constituency, Anushaktinagar. This move follows Sana's exclusion from the first list, which had generated considerable speculation and questions. The NCP's decision to field Sana in Anushaktinagar demonstrates its commitment to family ties and political lineage, a tactic frequently employed by Indian political parties. In a separate development, Nawab Malik is expected to stand as an Independent in Shivaji Nagar-Mankhurd, where he will face off against Samajwadi Party's Abu Azmi. This decision to contest as an Independent suggests a strategic maneuver by Nawab Malik, aiming to maximize his chances of winning against a strong opponent.
The NCP's second candidate list also includes former BJP MPs Sanjaykaka Patil, who will contest from Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal, and Pratap Patil-Chikhalikar, who will run for office in Loha. The inclusion of these prominent figures strengthens the NCP's campaign in these constituencies, drawing on their extensive experience and political networks. Furthermore, the NCP's incumbent MLA Sunil Tingre will seek re-election from Pune’s Vadgaon-Sheri constituency, a seat that had attracted interest from the BJP's former MLA Jagdish Mulik. Tingre's bid for re-election demonstrates the NCP's confidence in his ability to retain the seat against formidable competition.
In other key constituencies, Nishikant Patil will contest the Islampur seat, facing off against NCP (SP) state leader Jayant Patil. This contest promises to be particularly intriguing, as it pits two influential leaders from within the NCP family against each other. Finally, Dyaneshwar Katke will run for office in Shirur, with his opponent being NCP (SP)'s Ashok Pawar. The NCP's second candidate list reflects a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, with a clear focus on strategically securing key constituencies. As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the political landscape is set to become increasingly dynamic and unpredictable, with the NCP's candidate list adding further complexity to the contest.