In a state where a key poll plank is migration to Maharashtra in general and Mumbai in particular, major regional parties from other states are seeking a foothold by contesting the Assembly polls and targeting groups of people from their respective states.

The Jayalalitha-led AIADMK has fielded two candidates in Mumbai, the first time in 10 years it is contesting Assembly polls in the state. The Bihar-based Lok Janashakti Party, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) are also contesting, for reasons as varied as “bringing in clean governance” and offering an alternative choice.

The AIADMK has fielded Soosairaj Babu Anthony Chetty from Malad (West) and Ramanathan Thevar from Sion-Koliwada, the LJP has nominated Mukund Sakpal from Jalgaon, Kiran Mane from Worli and Trimbak Shirsat from Akola (West), while the JD (U) is contesting four seats across the state.

“We contested in 1999 with three candidates but stayed out subsequently as the party was not registered in the state. We got registered during the corporation elections in Mumbai but did not contest. We have been working in these areas and therefore wanted to contest. This time, even, Jayalalitha madam agreed to have two seats contested,” said Somasundaram, the AIADMK’s Mumbai state secretary. Southern film star Ramarajan is slated to campaign in Mumbai for the candidates.

For the LJP, the party’s Mumbai president Kiran Mane said, “We are part of the Third Front which is focusing on the needs of the common man in terms of education, load shedding and farmer suicides. People do not want either of the prominent alliances anymore. We have been getting a good response and after many years seeing an agitation on the lines of the statehood movement.”

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