BJP is yet to name its candidate to take on Priya

With Congress announcing its candidates for the remaining two constituencies in the city, the picture of candidates contesting in the city is almost clear. The only exception is North Central Mumbai, where BJP has not yet finalised its candidate.

Putting a full stop on actress Nagma’s name, Sanjay Nirupam has been fielded in North Mumbai against Ram Naik, the five-time winner from the constituency. With announcement of Mumbai Congress president Gurudas Kamat’s candidature from the North West constituency, it will be a tough fight between him and Sena candidate Gajanan Kirtikar, a seating MLA. The constituency has more than 50 per cent Muslim and North Indian voters, whom Samajwadi Party has been trying to appease by fielding its state unit chief Abu Asim Azmi.

Kamat was keen to fight from South Central Mumbai, but the Congress leadership re-nominated seating MP Eknath Gaikwad from that constituency.  However, BJP could not finalise a candidate against seating MP and Congress candidate from North Central Mumbai Priya Dutt. After Poonam Mahajan turned down the offer, leading advocate Mahesh Jethmalani is being considered as probable candidate.

It will be a straight fight between Kirit Somaiya (BJP) and Sanjay Pa-til (NCP) in North-East constituency. The former is the favourite.