Varsha Gaikwad Named Congress Candidate for Mumbai North Central, Poonam Mahajan’s Stronghold

Mumbai, 26th April 2024: Following weeks of discussions, the Congress declared Varsha Gaikwad, the Mumbai unit chief and Dharavi MLA, as its candidate for the Mumbai North Central constituency. Currently held by the BJP’s Poonam Mahajan, the ruling alliance is yet to unveil its candidate for this seat.

Expressing her commitment, Gaikwad affirmed, “The party has entrusted me with the task of securing victory in Mumbai North Central. I assure my leadership that I will strive to emerge victorious. This constituency has historically been a stronghold of the Congress, and we have clinched it numerous times. We are determined to reclaim it in 2024.”

While several senior party figures were speculated for the candidacy, Gaikwad initially expressed interest in contesting from Mumbai South Central, encompassing her assembly seat of Dharavi.

Tensions within the Congress surfaced two weeks ago when Mumbai South Central, along with three other seats, was conceded to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Gaikwad had criticized the state leadership’s role in the seat-sharing negotiations, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s allocation of seats.

Putting the past behind, Gaikwad remarked, “I have conveyed my concerns, and now it’s time to move forward. The party’s decision to field me in Mumbai North Central is paramount, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the leadership.”

Mumbai North Central constituency comprises six assembly segments: Vile Parle, Chandivli, Kurla (SC), Kalina, Bandra (East), and Bandra (West). Of these, BJP holds Vile Parle and Bandra (West), while Shiv Sena controls Chandivli, Kurla (SC), and Kalina. Bandra (East) was secured by the Congress’ Zeeshan Siddique, whose father has allied with the ruling NCP led by Ajit Pawar.

Within the BJP, besides Mahajan, the names of Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar and senior counsel Ujjwal Nikam are under consideration.