Manoj Kotak, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate from Mumbai North East, filed his nomination on Monday, accompanied by sitting MP Kirit Somaiya, State Education Minister Vinod Tawde and BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar.

On April 3, the BJP announced Mr. Kotak as its candidate after weeks of speculation over whether Mr. Somaiya would be renominated. Mr. Somaiya lost his ticket as he had fallen out of favour with the Shiv Sena.

Mr. Kotak is currently the leader of the BJP in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and has been a four-time corporator from Mulund.

“Our success story will continue. People love us, they trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and they will also shower their love on me. Mr. Somaiya did a lot of work in this constituency. I will continue the good work if given an opportunity and continue the success story,” Mr. Kotak said.

Mr. Tawde said the BJP-Sena combine will repeat its 2014 performance and win all six seats in Mumbai.

The BJP, in a show of strength and unity, organised a mini rally with Mr. Kotak and the other leaders sharing a ride on a station wagon, with hundreds of supporters in tow.

Mr. Kotak has declared assets worth ₹5.47 crore in his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission.