In a setback to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Navi Mumbai, the party’s leader and former MLA Sandeep Naik, on Tuesday, October 22, joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. Along with Naik, 28 former corporators and party workers joined NCP SP in Vashi.
Sandeep’s father and former minister, Ganesh Naik, who has wielded a major influence in the Navi Mumbai region over the years, has been re-nominated by the BJP from the Airoli assembly constituency.
Also Read | BJP Navi Mumbai Chief Sandeep Naik Denied Ticket From Belapur, Quits Party In Anger.
Sandeep is likely to contest the assembly election from Belapur, where the BJP has re-nominated its sitting MLA, Manda Mhatre.