BMC Elections: BJP’s Neil Somaiya Set for Easy Victory as Key Opponents Sit Out; Kirit Somaiya Says ‘God is Great’

In an unusual turn of events in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya’s son, Neil Somaiya, is all but assured victory in Ward 107, Mulund, even before polling begins. Major political parties, including the Thackeray-led MNS, Congress, and NCP, have not fielded a candidate against him, creating a near-certain path to win.

Reacting to the situation, Kirit Somaiya remarked on social media, calling it a reflection of divine will: “God is great.” He added that the Thackeray brothers, along with Congress and NCP, failed to put forward candidates, leaving Neil Somaiya unchallenged in the crucial ward.

Ward 107: A BJP Stronghold

Mulund has long been considered a BJP bastion, with significant Gujarati and Marwari communities forming the backbone of party support in both assembly and parliamentary elections. Neil Somaiya first won from Ward 107 in 2017, and this marks his second term contesting in the BMC elections.

Opponent Disqualification Seals the Win

The only opposition nomination came from Hansraj Danani of the NCP, but the Election Commission rejected his application due to the absence of a mandatory affidavit. As a result, Neil Somaiya faces no significant challenge from major parties. Nine independent candidates, including representatives from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, remain in the fray, but none pose a serious threat to the BJP candidate’s dominance.

With key political heavyweights stepping aside, Neil Somaiya’s victory in Ward 107 is widely regarded as a foregone conclusion, drawing attention to the dynamics of party strategies and local alliances in Mumbai. Observers will be keenly watching if any independent candidates receive backing from regional parties ahead of the polls.