BJP Navi Mumbai chief Sandeep Naik denied ticket, says 'will contest for sure'

Former Airoli MLA and BJP Navi Mumbai chief Sandeep Naik is mulling over fighting as an independent from Belapur following the party's decision to renominate his archrival and sitting MLA, Manda Mhatre , from the seat.

"I will contest from Belapur for sure," he said. A BJP functionary said he is in talks with his supporters on whether to quit the party. A marathon meeting was held in the Naiks' camp all through Sunday. His father, local heavyweight MLA Ganesh Naik , has been renominated from Airoli, facing Sena Navi Mumbai chief Vijay Chougule, who had said he'd fight as an independent. Sources said Ganesh had earlier expressed his willingness to join NCP (SP) provided Sandeep was given a ticket.