The competition for the post of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) chief has intensified with the names of former presidents Sanjay Nirupam and Milind Deora popping up for a return to office. Other contenders like Amarjit Singh Manhas are lobbying hard even as national general secretary in-charge of the state, Mallikarjun Kharge, attempts to prolong incumbent Eknath Gaikwad's stay in MRCC.

Nirupam's supporters are projecting his candidature because they feel that the leader was removed unceremoniously ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Deora replaced Nirupam but quit after the party's dismal show. His resignation was accepted much later and Gaikwad made interim president for the Assembly polls – an arrangement, which continues to be in place. However, the change of power in the state has encouraged aspirants to stake claim to the post, primarily because Gaikwad's daughter was made a cabinet minister.