In a significant political move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its debut in the upcoming civic elections in Bhiwandi, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, aiming to contest a large number of seats across these municipal corporations.
AAP Bhiwandi unit president Masih Iqbal and general secretary Hanumant Jadhav said the party has completed initial screening for 30 of the 90 seats in the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation. Efforts are ongoing to finalize candidates for the remaining seats, with a focus on fielding educated, competent individuals with a clean image and an understanding of local issues.
In Navi Mumbai, the party plans to contest all 111 seats, according to Dinesh Thakur, head of the city unit. Meanwhile, in Thane, AAP intends to field candidates in 100 of 131 seats, with over 40 applications already received, said Thane unit president Amar Amte.
The party’s campaign will highlight key civic issues such as poor road conditions, inadequate healthcare, water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and alleged corruption within municipal administrations. AAP leaders emphasized their goal of introducing a governance model based on transparency and public welfare, drawing inspiration from their governance in Delhi and Punjab.
Voting for 29 municipal corporations, including Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, and Navi Mumbai, is scheduled for January 15, with results expected the following day. This marks AAP’s first major attempt to expand its footprint in Maharashtra’s local governance, signaling a potentially competitive electoral battle.
With civic issues taking center stage, AAP hopes to position itself as a credible alternative to established parties, promising a focus on local development and efficient administration.
