Nawab Malik Highlights NCP's Role in Upcoming BMC Elections

Nawab Malik, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, has asserted the party's pivotal role in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He predicts a hung assembly and emphasizes that no mayor can be elected without NCP's support. Malik also critiques the BJP's recent alliances with Congress and AIMIM, highlighting the contradictions in their claims of a Congress-free India. As the political climate intensifies in Maharashtra, elections for 29 municipal corporations, including BMC, are set for January 15, with results to be counted the following day.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 16:45 IST

Nawab Malik's Insights on BMC Elections

On Monday, Nawab Malik, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasized the significance of his party in the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He asserted that the NCP will play a crucial role in determining the majority in what he described as a 'hung' assembly. Speaking to a news outlet, Malik stated, "I have consistently maintained that the BMC will witness a hung assembly, and no mayor can be elected without the support of the NCP. Anyone who believes the election results will change is mistaken."

NCP's Strategy for the Elections

When questioned about contesting the BMC elections independently, rather than aligning with Sharad Pawar's faction as seen in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Malik revealed that the party workers expressed a desire to run solo. He mentioned that any potential merger of the NCP would be decided by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. "I won’t comment on the timing of a merger, but it is clear that the workers from both factions are eager for unity," he added.

Critique of BJP's Alliances

Malik criticized the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the NCP, in light of the recent BJP alliances with Congress and AIMIM in Ambernath and Akola. He remarked, "In Akola, the BJP's alliance with AIMIM confirms that they are using AIMIM as their 'B team.' Similarly, in Ambernath, the BJP has allied with Congress councilors, while we chose to support the NCP. The BJP claims to aim for a Congress-free India, yet they are relying on Congress councilors for support."

Political Climate Ahead of Elections

This discussion comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Maharashtra is heating up ahead of the upcoming elections. Elections will be held for 29 municipal corporations across the state, including Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Voting is scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes set for January 16.