But we will definitely re-apply for registration and make every effort to be a contestant in the civic polls. “We are going to reapply, but it is unlikely that the application will go through before the civic polls. Political parties not registered with the Election Commission of India or the state election commissions cannot contest any election. The MIM, which does not currently have a single councillor in Mumbai, has emerged a serious player since the last civic polls in 2012. If the MIM does not get itself registered again before the civic elections, its absence could seriously alter the dynamics of elections to Mumbai’s civic body ruled by the Shiv Sena-BJP combine.

Source: Mint July 13, 2016 13:52 UTC