While the North West constituency will see a straight contest between former colleagues - Sanjay Nirupam, from the Congress, and Gajanan Kirtikar, the current MP from the Shiv Sena - it really is anyone's game. Residents of the constituency say Nirupam has a higher chance as north Indian voters might prefer him over Kirtikar. However, the traditional Marathi voters and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supporters in the area could prove fruitful for Kirtikar.

MNS on their side?

As per data from 2014, the constituency had 1,775,428 registered electors. MNS has a good presence in the constituency, which is why votes from their supporters could prove to be crucial in deciding a win. Upon being asked if he would take MNS's help, Nirupam told mid-day, "Not at all. Everyone, including them, knows my stand on MNS. I am contesting elections to defeat those associated with the Modi government. Our aim is to defeat the BJP-Sena and in this process, if anyone wants to mobilize some votes in my favour, I don't have any problem. I have an ideological stand and I cannot shift from it."