With Maharashtra’s Assembly elections just weeks away, Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction has released its second list of candidates, spotlighting prominent leaders positioned to contend for strategic constituencies. This latest list of seven candidates aims to strengthen the party’s presence and offer tough competition to its rivals, particularly in key regions such as Bandra East and Anushakti Nagar.
Zeeshan Siddique to Contest
One of the most noteworthy names on the list is Zeeshan Siddique, son of former MLA Baba Siddique, who will be vying for the Bandra East constituency. Zeeshan’s nomination has set up a significant electoral battle, as he is expected to face Varun Sardesai from UBT Shiv Sena, making Bandra East one of the key constituencies to watch. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Zeeshan shared that it was an emotional moment for him and his family, as he thanked Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for their faith in him. He voiced confidence that he could secure victory with the backing of his community.
Prominent Names
The new candidate list also includes Sana Malik, daughter of former minister Nawab Malik, who will represent NCP in Anushakti Nagar. This selection adds another notable figure to the party’s roster, highlighting NCP’s strategy of involving politically active families in its bid for power. Additionally, Sanjay Kaka has been nominated to contest from Tasgaon, where he will go head-to-head with Shiv Sena’s Rohit Patil. Another key candidate, Loha Pratap Patil, will run from Chikhli, as the party continues to bolster its slate with strong contenders.
Sharad Pawar’s Faction
Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) faction has also announced its lineup of 45 candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly, setting the stage for a competitive election season. Notable candidates include Jitendra Ahwad from Mumbra, Anil Deshmukh from Katol, Rakhi Jadhav from Ghatkopar East, Jayant Patil from Islampur, and Shashikant Patil from Koregaon. This election will feature many familiar faces and political legacies, as the 288-seat Assembly race shapes up to be a dynamic contest.
Family Rivalry
This year’s elections will also see a continuation of the Pawar family’s internal rivalry, as Ajit Pawar goes up against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, an NCP (SP) leader. Yugendra, son of Ajit’s brother Shrinivas Pawar and treasurer of Vidya Pratishthan Sanstha, had campaigned vigorously for Supriya Sule in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where she defeated Sunetra Pawar by a margin exceeding 1.5 lakh votes. Reflecting on that contest, Ajit Pawar acknowledged that fielding his wife against Sule had been a mistake. Initially, he suggested he might not contest the Maharashtra elections but ultimately entered the race with the encouragement of party members and supporters.
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