In the lead-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for November 20, tensions are surfacing within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, particularly between the BJP and the NCP, over the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency. The BJP has named Shiv Sena’s Suresh Krishna Patil, popularly known as Bullet Patil, as its candidate, following the NCP’s selection of Nawab Malik for the same seat.
Nawab Malik, who initially considered running independently, ultimately filed his nomination as the official NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate, expressing confidence in his support base and the endorsement from NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar. Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, a constituency with a significant Muslim vote, is currently held by Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi, making it a contested ground for parties aiming to gain influence in the community.
Simultaneously, within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), tensions are apparent, especially in seats where multiple alliance partners have named candidates. The Congress will contest 101 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 96, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) 87, while a few constituencies remain undecided.
Overall, the nomination period closed with 10,905 papers filed, representing nearly 8,000 candidates. Maharashtra’s Model Code of Conduct is in effect until the November 23 election results, marking the official close to one of the state’s most anticipated elections, with alliance dynamics and seat-sharing adjustments still ongoing.
