BJP’s Ganesh Naik may leave party for NCP (SP)

Navi Mumbai: Changing parties by leaders has gained momentum across the State. Though almost all sitting MLAs are likely to contest from their respective parties, those who may not get party tickets or may not get what they demand are searching for options. Many aspirants from the Maha Yuti smell an opportunity in the opposition alliance and may cross over.

Political circles are talking about Navi Mumbai BJP leader and MLA Ganesh Naik’s departure from the party. It is said that Naik has demanded the Airoli and Belapur segments for his family, failing which he may join the NCP (SP) or the Shiv Sena (UBT).

He left the NCP and joined the BJP before the Assembly poll 2019. However, the BJP did not offer the party ticket to anyone from his family except him. Moreover, he was not offered the ministership after the party came to power. Thus, the Naik family was not happy.

Sanjiv Naik was an aspirant for the Lok Sabha but did not get the candidature. Therefore, Ganesh Naik is likely to make his ghar wapsi.

Naik’s leaving will impact the civic polls

Ganesh Naik holds sway over Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. The Navi Mumbai civic body had a majority of his supporter corporators. Thus, the BJP may suffer losses in the civic body polls.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to see if Ganesh Naik chooses the NCP (SP) or the Shiv Sena (UBT).