Ajit Pawar-NCP Fields Nawab Malik From Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Despite Opposition From BJP

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Rift has become evident in the Mahayuti alliance as Ajit Pawar-NCP fielded Anushakti Nagar MLA Nawab Malik as its candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 20. The party’s ally BJP has been opposing the candidature of the NCP leader, alleging hiz link with underworld don Davood Ibrahim and the alleged money laundering case the MLA  involved, leading to his arrest in 2022. He has served as a two-time MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.

Earlier, following the confirmation of his daughter Sana Malik’s candidature from Anushakti Nagar as a NCP nominee, Nawab Malik stated that he may contest the elections as an independent from another constituency, reportedly under pressure from Mahayuti ally BJP not to field him. However, despite the saffron party issuing stern opposition against the nomination of Nawab Malik. The Ajit Pawar-led party has now backed Malik’s candidature from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. Malik has been one of the prominent leaders of the NCP faction since its split.

Read Also: Richest Candidate: Ghatkopar East MLA Parag Shah Vying For Another Term Amid Dip In Rating

The BJP had earlier agreed to the nomination of Mr. Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, as Mahatuti candidate from the Anushakti Nagar constituency, replacing her father. The BJP state chief Ashish Shelar had said that as long as they don’t get any proof and information about Sana Malik, all Mahayuti candidates are BJP’s candidates.

On the candidature of Nawab Malik on NCT ticket, the BJP chief reiterated that though its stand is clear that all parties in the alliance should decide their own candidate, the issue is only about Nawab Malik’s official candidature from the NCP.

“Devendra Fadnavis has time and again clarified the stance of the party; I say it again: The BJP will not campaign for Nawab Malik. There is no question of us campaigning for him, because we won’t endorse anyone who’s related to any Dawood or Dawood-related case,” Shelar said.

Read Also: Morshi MLA Devendra Bhuyar Eying Second Term On Ajit Pawar-NCP Ticket

For more than a decade, Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar has been represented by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, and the constituency is the one with predominantly Muslim voters. Commenting on his candidate, Nawab Malik stated that Ajit Pawar wanted him to contest the election. “I don’t know why the BJP is opposing me, though there is definitely an ideological difference between me and them. However, I am confident of winning my seat,” he added.

The nomination deadline for the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for November 20 closed on Tuesday. The result for the assembly elections will be declared on November 23.