As the alliance dispute over Maharashtra seats intensifies, the BJP is scouting for a fresh contender in the North Central region.

The BJP’s Poonam Mahajan is the sitting two-time MP from Mumbai North Central. But party is wary of both anti-incumbency and the changed political equations in the seat

The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra has not yet announced a candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, which is strategically situated in the heart of the country's financial hub. Insider sources suggest that the BJP is considering a new face instead of Poonam Mahajan, who secured the seat for the party in both 2014 and 2019.

This alliance includes the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar, with Mumbai North Central being one of the seven contested seats within the coalition. However, the BJP is anticipated to retain control of this particular seat.

"The delay in finalizing the candidate for Mumbai North Central indicates the party's serious contemplation of introducing a fresh contender," mentioned a BJP insider. Sources within the BJP also cited reasons such as anti-incumbency and shifting political dynamics in the constituency post the Shiv Sena's split, potentially making the BJP rethink Mahajan's re-nomination.

Among the speculated replacements for Mahajan is Ashish Shelar, the BJP Mumbai president and current MLA for Bandra West, known for his robust network across various communities and his active involvement in addressing local issues pertinent to the constituency and Mumbai as a whole. Nonetheless, there are differing opinions within the party regarding this move. "Transferring Shelar to Delhi may not be advisable, especially with the upcoming BMC polls; he should remain integral to Mumbai politics," expressed a BJP leader.

As of now, the BJP has announced 24 candidates in Maharashtra, while Shinde's Shiv Sena has announced eight, and Ajit Pawar's NCP has announced just one. Reports indicate that Shinde had made efforts to enlist former Congress MP Priya Dutt for the Mumbai North Central seat, which she previously held in 2009 but lost to Mahajan in subsequent elections. However, there was no response from Dutt's side.

Earlier this year, Shinde's Shiv Sena had successfully attracted former Congress Union minister and ex-Mumbai South MP Milind Deora to their fold, subsequently nominating him as a Rajya Sabha MP. Similarly, ex-Congress leader and former Bandra West MLA Baba Siddique joined Ajit Pawar's NCP, reflecting Mahayuti's strategic moves to diminish Congress's influence in Mumbai.

The Mumbai North Central constituency, known for its diverse demographic with substantial Christian and Muslim populations, was historically challenging for right-wing parties. However, recent electoral victories were facilitated by the alliance with Shiv Sena, which helped consolidate the Marathi vote along with the appeal of Prime Minister Modi. With uncertainties arising from the Sena's split, particularly regarding Marathi votes, the BJP is carefully strategizing its approach for the upcoming elections, considering the significant transformation in the constituency over the past decade, notably with the rise of the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).