NEW DELHI: NCP candidate Nawab Malik expressed confidence on Wednesday about winning the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar seat in Maharashtra’s upcoming assembly polls, downplaying concerns over the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction’s refusal to support him.
“The NCP has fielded me in Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, where the Shinde Sena candidate Suresh Patil has BJP’s backing. The same situation exists in my daughter’s constituency. Whether BJP or the Shinde faction opposes me is not a concern; it’s anticipated,” Malik told ANI, emphasizing his focus on local support.
BJP’s Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar confirmed the party would not be campaigning for Malik, citing alleged links between him and fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. However, Malik remains optimistic about securing a “thumping majority” in both constituencies, noting that his candidacy is a direct response to local calls for representation.
He added that Ajit Pawar remains a crucial figure in Maharashtra politics, insisting that no government could be formed without his support: “Ajit Pawar’s NCP upholds its ideology. We believe in a secular and democratic system, and despite the tight race, we’re confident our ideologies resonate with the people.”
Earlier, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya accused Malik of anti-national activities, calling him “Dawood’s agent.” Somaiya’s comments come amid tensions within the Mahayuti alliance after Malik’s nomination, with Shiv Sena’s Suresh Patil declared as the alliance’s official candidate for the constituency.
Malik, a former two-term MLA from Anushakti Nagar, filed an independent nomination for Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar but ultimately registered as the NCP candidate. The party also fielded his daughter, Sana Malik, for her first election in Anushakti Nagar—a seat Malik previously held.
The Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with results expected on November 23 for all 288 constituencies.
