The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has officially decided to contest the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, finalising approximately 100 seats for its candidates. On Sunday, the party released its first list of 37 candidates, marking a strategic move to assert its presence in Mumbai’s high-stakes civic polls.

A key highlight of the list is the inclusion of three members from senior NCP leader Nawab Malik’s family. Kaptan Malik, Saeeda Arif Khan, and Bushra Malik have been nominated, showcasing the party’s reliance on experienced political families. While Kaptan Malik and Saeeda Arif Khan are former corporators, Bushra Malik will contest her first election from Ward No. 170, reserved for women.

Kaptan Malik will contest from Ward No. 165, and Saeeda Arif Khan will stand from Ward No. 168, both areas with prior political experience. Other notable nominations include Dhananjay Pisal from Ward No. 111, who recently switched allegiance from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, indicating a growing support base for Ajit Pawar’s faction.

Also Read: Bangladesh’s NCP Faces Internal Revolt Over Proposed Alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami

In another significant development, the party inducted Ashish Mane, the maternal nephew of Shiv Sena president and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is expected to contest from Ward No. 159 in the next list. These moves underline the party’s strategy to attract influential political figures and strengthen its position in Mumbai.

The decision to contest alone comes amid differences within the ruling alliance, particularly after the BJP opposed Nawab Malik leading the BMC campaign. Sana Malik, NCP MLA, affirmed that the party leadership remains committed to Malik’s role and is focused on leveraging all available options to consolidate its political space.

With the release of the first candidate list, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has made its intentions clear: to fight the BMC elections independently, expand its influence across Mumbai wards, and establish a distinct identity ahead of the 2026 civic battle.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar Insists All Candidates Contest Pune Civic Polls on ‘Clock’ Symbol