Mumbra-Kalwa: In Crucial Political Test, Jitendra Awhad Faces Former Protege Najeeb Mulla

Mumbra-Kalwa, Maharashtra: NCP (SP) leader, former minister, and close aide of Sharad Pawar, Jitendra Awhad is contesting again from Mumbra-Kalwa constituency, a Muslim-dominated constituency. An OBC leader, he has been representing the seat since 2009. This time, he is facing a tough challenge as he is fielded against his former protege turned rival, Najeeb Mulla from the NCP (Ajit Pawar).

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Awhad, with his four-decade-long political journey, is considered one of the tallest figures in Maharashtra politics. His repeated victory over Mumbra-Kalwa is also significant since Muslims constitute close to 44 percent of the electorate. His focus on raising issues affecting the Muslim community, which include access to housing, education, and employment, along with his adherence to social justice, strengthened his political position among the electorates. His zest to fight for the concerns that affect the community, which has been failed to notice by other politicians, has also been considered admirable by his supporters.

Awhad entered politics as the first National President of Youth NCP, and then he helmed significant positions such as MLC, legislator, and minister. He handled ministerial portfolios such as Medical Education, Horticulture, Employment Guarantee and Housing during different governments in the state. He has also served as the acting leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, Jitendra Awhad won the seat with 1,09,283, defeating Deepali Syed of the Shiv Sena by a margin of 75,639 votes. In the upcoming polls, he is facing a tough challenge in the constituency as he is pitted against his former protege turned rival, Najeeb Mulla from the NCP (Ajit Pawar). Mulla is a former corporator and group leader of the NCP in the Thane Municipal Corporation. He is enjoying the support of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

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Mulla has spent time in jail in connection with the suicide of a builder and then finding his name raked up in the murder of a prominent RTI activist, the Indian Express reports. However, in recent years, Ajit Pawar has been preparing Mulla as an opponent to Awhad and defeating him as the party’s top priority. Aside from Mulla, Awhad is also facing stiff competition from Saif Pathan, an AIMIM candidate in the fray. However, extending support, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and MP Sanjay Singh campaigned for Awhad in the constituency last week.

The Mumbra-Kalwa constituency is located in the Thane district. The assembly segment encounters significant challenges, including drug abuse, rising crime rates, and calls for advancements in urban infrastructure.