Mumbai - The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its ambitious plan to contest all 36 seats in Mumbai for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. This strategic move comes amidst the backdrop of a growing political rivalry and aims to disrupt the traditional strongholds of established parties.

AAP's Strategic Entry

Addressing a press conference, AAP’s Mumbai President, Preeti Sharma Menon, declared the party's intention to field candidates in all 36 seats in Mumbai. This announcement follows similar declarations by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming elections. Menon emphasized that while AAP is a part of the opposition INDIA alliance at the national level, the alliance's focus is primarily on the Lok Sabha elections.

AAP's Critique of the Current Government

Menon did not hold back in her criticism of the current BJP-Shinde Sena-led government, accusing it of prioritizing corruption over public welfare. She condemned the government's handling of Mumbai's infrastructure issues and criticized the relocation of key projects from Mumbai to Gujarat, alleging a deliberate attempt to undermine Mumbai's status as India’s financial capital.

“AAP is not just the alternative but the solution,” Menon asserted, underlining the party’s commitment to addressing housing crises, slum conditions, and combating the builder-contractor mafia. She accused the BJP of being anti-Maharashtra and anti-Mumbai, expressing confidence in AAP's ability to bring about necessary reforms.

Seat Sharing and Alliance Dynamics

While AAP plans to contest independently in Mumbai, Menon hinted at the possibility of seat-sharing arrangements. The central leadership of AAP is expected to make final decisions regarding alliances and seat adjustments. The Maharashtra Assembly election results will reveal whether AAP's entry will disrupt the political dynamics between the Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances.

Election Landscape

In the 2019 elections, the Shiv Sena, now aligned with BJP, won 19 out of 36 seats in Mumbai. Congress managed to secure only 4 seats, NCP and Samajwadi Party won one seat each, and BJP claimed the remaining 11 seats. The upcoming elections, featuring AAP’s fresh challenge, promise to be a fiercely contested battle.

The elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly are due later this year. AAP's decision to contest all Mumbai seats signals a significant shift in the political landscape, promising an intense and unpredictable election season.