We won't join govt if BJP raises disputed issues, says NCP's Malik

MUMBAI: NCP candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar , Nawab Malik , said on Tuesday that the anti-conversion law mooted in BJP’s manifesto for Maharashtra is just being used to misguide people and his party will not join a govt with the saffron party “if it does politics on divisive and disputed issues”. Malik also did not rule out NCP joining hands with the opposition MVA in the event of a hung assembly.

Though NCP is part of Mahayuti , BJP, the seniormost partner in the governing alliance, is backing Shinde Sena’s Suresh Patil in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.

Stressing that if Mahayuti gets a majority, the govt will not be formed on BJP’s policies alone but on a Common Minimum Programme, Malik told TOI in an interview: “BJP will have to leave out some issues.”

When asked about UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ call, which is seen as anti-Muslim, Malik said: “I condemn this slogan. Religion based on politics is short-lived.” On BJP’s promise to bring anti-conversion law, Malik said: “Right to religion is a fundamental right and conversion cannot be stopped. BJP is playing with words to misguide people.”

Malik said NCP chief Ajit Pawar will get enough seats to become a ‘kingmaker’ and dictate terms. “It’s possible that there will be a situation like 1999 when neither side has absolute majority.”

When asked whether NCP could back MVA in a post-poll scenario, he said: “Anything is possible. Anyone can go with anyone.”