Piyush Goyal to Contest from Mumbai North, Mihir Kotecha Nominated for North-East

Mumbai, 14th March 2024: In a significant political move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reshuffling its candidates for the upcoming elections in Mumbai. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, holding key portfolios, will now contest from Mumbai North, considered a stronghold for the party. Meanwhile, sitting MLA Mihir Kotecha has been nominated as the BJP’s candidate for Mumbai North-East.

This decision comes as replacements for two sitting MPs, Gopal Shetty and Manoj Kotak, are announced. Allegedly, differences with the leadership and negative feedback from their constituencies led to their replacement. The BJP is also contemplating replacing Poonam Mahajan in North-Central and considering candidates for other constituencies, including Ashish Shelar and Mahesh Jethmalani.

Goyal and Kotecha’s selection reflects the party’s strategy to place trusted leaders in relatively secure constituencies. Mumbai North, with a significant voter base comprising Gujarati, Marwari, and other North Indian communities, has historically favoured the BJP. Similarly, Mumbai North-East boasts a sizable population of Gujarati and Hindi-speaking voters.

While negotiations are ongoing for various constituencies, Goyal expressed gratitude for his nomination, emphasizing the party’s trust in him. However, reactions from supporters of ousted MPs like Gopal Shetty indicate initial discontent, though they pledge support to the new candidates. Kotecha, on the other hand, expresses gratitude to the party leadership and confidence in winning the seat.