A fascinating political battle is unfolding in Thane’s Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency, which is represented by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Awhad. The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar has fielded Najeeb Mulla, a former corporator from Rabodi, as its candidate for the Vidhan Sabha election.

Interestingly, Mulla was once close to Awhad, a trusted aide of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. The former’s strategy appears to be focused on gaining popularity among minorities, particularly Muslims, who constitute more than 50 per cent of the Mumbra-Kalwa electorate. By emphasising his Muslim identity, Mulla is trying to appeal to the community’s desire for representation. He is also stressing his links to the local community, having been a former municipal councillor.