MUMBAI: In a major embarrassment for the Mahayuti , former minister Nawab Malik who faces a money laundering probe, filed his nomination papers as a candidate of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in Mankhurd-Shivajinagar. This creates a peculiar situation within the Mahayuti alliance because the Shiv Sena has also fielded a candidate from the same seat.
A month ago when Malik declared he would contest as an NCP nominee from Shivajinagar, the BJP leadership comprising deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis , state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule and his Mumbai counterpart Ashish Shelar had expressed disapproval, arguing that he was accused of links with the underworld and Dawood Ibrahim.
Significantly, after poll dates were declared and NCP shortlisted its nominees, Malik was given the authorisation form by the party, but the decision was not made public. On Tuesday, he first submitted his nomination as an independent candidate before the returning officer in Mankhurd. After a few hours, he submitted another form as an NCP nominee.Malik said the NCP's decision reflects the leadership's confidence in him.
"I am not bothered by opposition to my candidature. I am thankful to Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for expressing confidence in me," Malik told TOI. Malik said he was confident of his victory as well as of his daughter Sana from neighbouring Anushaktinagar constituency. "I am sure my daughter and I will win in the elections despite the presence of several rebels in both constituencies," Malik said.
Shelar reacted saying "BJP will not campaign for Malik. Accordingly, instructions have been given to our grassroots level workers."
On Malik's daughter Sana Malik, Shelar said until any evidence or information comes to light, the alliance candidate is the BJP candidate as well.
Mankhurd is a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, and has been represented by Abu Azmi for three consecutive terms. In the last election, he won against a Sena candidate, which is the reason the Sena was officially allocated the seat this time.
Malik who is also a three-term MLA, was a minister in the MVA govt. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Feb 23, 2022. Malik was granted bail on medical grounds in July this year. The Shiv Sena's Suresh Patil, known as 'Bullet Patil', is the official Sena candidate here.
A month ago when Malik declared he would contest as an NCP nominee from Shivajinagar, the BJP leadership comprising deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis , state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule and his Mumbai counterpart Ashish Shelar had expressed disapproval, arguing that he was accused of links with the underworld and Dawood Ibrahim.
Significantly, after poll dates were declared and NCP shortlisted its nominees, Malik was given the authorisation form by the party, but the decision was not made public. On Tuesday, he first submitted his nomination as an independent candidate before the returning officer in Mankhurd. After a few hours, he submitted another form as an NCP nominee.Malik said the NCP's decision reflects the leadership's confidence in him.
"I am not bothered by opposition to my candidature. I am thankful to Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for expressing confidence in me," Malik told TOI. Malik said he was confident of his victory as well as of his daughter Sana from neighbouring Anushaktinagar constituency. "I am sure my daughter and I will win in the elections despite the presence of several rebels in both constituencies," Malik said.
Shelar reacted saying "BJP will not campaign for Malik. Accordingly, instructions have been given to our grassroots level workers."
On Malik's daughter Sana Malik, Shelar said until any evidence or information comes to light, the alliance candidate is the BJP candidate as well.
Mankhurd is a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, and has been represented by Abu Azmi for three consecutive terms. In the last election, he won against a Sena candidate, which is the reason the Sena was officially allocated the seat this time.
Malik who is also a three-term MLA, was a minister in the MVA govt. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Feb 23, 2022. Malik was granted bail on medical grounds in July this year. The Shiv Sena's Suresh Patil, known as 'Bullet Patil', is the official Sena candidate here.
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