Samajwadi Party Signals Support for BJP-Dropped North Indian Candidates in Mumbai Civic Polls
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi announces support for North Indian candidates dropped by the BJP in the Mumbai municipal elections, provided they contest as independents where SP has no candidate, calling the move a strategic step to protect representation and community interests.
Speaking in Mumbai, Azmi framed the move as a calculated electoral strategy rather than a reactive decision. He said the party’s intent is to ensure that capable candidates are not sidelined due to internal party decisions and that community interests continue to be represented in the civic body. According to him, the Samajwadi Party is prepared to back such independent candidates to strengthen representation and prevent political marginalisation.
The announcement comes at a crucial juncture in the run-up to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, where ticket distribution has triggered dissatisfaction among sections of party workers across political lines. By opening its doors to candidates excluded by the BJP, the Samajwadi Party appears to be positioning itself as an alternative platform for those seeking electoral relevance despite being denied official backing by their former party.
Azmi emphasised that the support would be strictly conditional, limited only to constituencies where the Samajwadi Party is not contesting, thereby avoiding direct conflicts with its own candidates. The statement underscores the fluid and tactical nature of alliance-building in local elections, particularly in a politically diverse city like Mumbai.
The development highlights the evolving dynamics of municipal politics, where strategic cooperation and tactical support often play a decisive role. As nominations and campaigning gain momentum, the Samajwadi Party’s move could influence both voter alignments and the broader balance of power in the upcoming civic polls.

Comment List