Controversy Erupts as NCP’s Nawab Malik Runs Amid BJP Objections

In the lead-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar campaigned in Malad on Friday. Ajit Pawar filed his nomination on October 28 for the Baramati assembly seat, marking a significant step after his split from the NCP in June 2023. Adding to the competition, his nephew Yugendra Pawar, grandson of Sharad Pawar, is also contesting from Baramati as the NCP-SP candidate.

When questioned about NCP candidate Nawab Malik’s run from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Ajit Pawar responded that by November 4, the candidate lineup across constituencies would be finalized. Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar voiced strong objections to Malik’s candidacy, pointing to serious allegations against him and pledging that the BJP will not support Malik, instead backing an opposing candidate.

Despite the controversy, Malik is determined to remain in the race, stating that opposition from the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is expected and won’t impact his confidence in a strong win.

The Baramati Lok Sabha seat race remains symbolic for the Pawar family, with Ajit Pawar facing his nephew Yugendra Pawar. Supriya Sule expressed optimism about Yugendra’s nomination, viewing it as a way to infuse new ideas and balance with experience. Yugendra remarked that facing his uncle in the race is neither easy nor particularly tough, highlighting the local support for “Pawar Sahab,” which he believes will show in both the assembly and upcoming elections.

Maharashtra’s political landscape includes the Mahayuti alliance—BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction)—and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Maharashtra’s assembly election is set for November 20, with results for all 288 seats to be announced on November 23. In the previous elections, BJP secured 105 seats in 2019 and 122 in 2014, while Shiv Sena won 56 and 63, respectively, and Congress took 44 and 42 seats.