Nawab Malik To Contest From Ajit Pawar’s NCP In Mankhurd; Shiv Sena Adds Twist

Nawab Malik to Contest From Ajit Pawar’s NCP in Mankhurd; Shiv Sena Adds Twist in War of Allies

Last Updated: October 29, 2024, 17:17 IST

Ending the speculation surrounding his candidature, Nawab Malik has confirmed that he will contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections from the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar seat as a candidate of Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Malik received last-minute clearance from Ajit Pawar’s NCP, putting an end to rumors that he would run as an independent. Currently, Malik represents the Anushakti Nagar Assembly constituency.

Unexpected Contest Within Mahayuti

Meanwhile, the NCP’s ally, Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has fielded Suresh Patil in the same constituency. This sets up an unexpected contest within the Mahayuti alliance. It remains to be seen whether one of them will withdraw their candidacy.

BJP’s Opposition to Malik’s Candidature

Earlier, BJP leader Ashish Shelar expressed his party’s opposition to Nawab Malik’s candidature, citing his alleged links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Four days later, Malik announced his decision to contest from Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, paving the way for his daughter Sana Malik to potentially launch her political career in Anushakti Nagar.

Speaking to ANI, Malik claimed that residents have urged him to contest, expressing their dissatisfaction with the hooliganism and drug trade prevalent in Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar.

Sana Malik was included in the second list of candidates released by the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Friday. Zeeshan Siddique, the son of the late Baba Siddique and former Congress legislator, has also been fielded in Bandra East.

Malik, a former minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, was arrested in 2022 in a case registered by the NIA against Dawood Ibrahim and his associates, including Chhota Shakeel and Tigar Memon. He was granted bail on medical grounds in July this year. Despite objections from the BJP, the NCP faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar welcomed Malik back into the fold.

Maharashtra Gears Up for Elections

Maharashtra is bracing for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for November 20. Today, October 29, is the last day for filing nominations. Results for the 288 assembly constituencies will be announced on November 23, alongside those from Jharkhand, which votes on November 13 and 20.

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar submitted their nomination papers.

Despite Tuesday being the last day for filing nominations, the ruling Mahayuti government and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, led by Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, are yet to finalize their seat-sharing arrangements.