Former Congress MP Priya Dutt’s announcement a few weeks ago that she would not contest the Lok Sabha elections has thrown the race for the Mumbai North Central seat to new candidates.
After days of speculation, actor Nagma confirmed to The Hindu that she is seeking party ticket for the constituency. Mathew Antony, State secretary of All India Professional Congress (AIPC), is also interested. At a district committee meeting recently, former Congress MLA Baba Siddiqui made an appeal to the leadership to request Ms. Dutt to reconsider her decision. But sources within the party said in case of her denial, Mr. Siddiqui may throw his hat in the ring.
Ms. Nagma and Mr. Antony however said in case of Ms. Dutt agreeing to contest from the seat, they will not push for their candidature. The seat is being held by Bharatiya Janata Party’s Poonam Mahajan, who defeated Ms. Dutt in 2014.
“Yes, I am interested to contest from Mumbai North Central. I have officially expressed my desire to represent the Congress. I have been actively working with the party for many years and have been the party’s star campaigner. Considering the constituency and voters, and since it was earlier held by a woman MP from the Congress, I think I am the suitable candidate,” Ms. Nagma said.
The actor said she is also interested to contest from Mumbai North West. Her presence on Wednesday at the party’s rally in Bandra against the use of electronic voting machines has raised eyebrows in party circles.
When asked, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam said, “Yes, she is interested to contest and as per the party process, names have been sent to the appropriate authority. The final decision will be announced in Delhi,” he said.
Mr. Antony is a rather unknown face from the AIPC — the party’s urban front for professionals. “Yes, I am willing to contest and have fulfilled the official process of seeking candidature.” He also claimed that he represents passionate and educated middle class with no entitlement.