NCP leader Nawab Malik recently addressed his candidacy for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly seat, a development that has stirred significant tension within Maharashtra’s political landscape. Malik confirmed that he is running as the official candidate of the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), directly countering claims from allies within the Mahayuti alliance, notably the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Both parties have opposed Malik’s nomination due to his contentious background and alleged associations. However, Malik dismissed this opposition as unfounded, insisting that he is not a "rebel" but a steadfast candidate of the NCP. He made it clear he would campaign independently, without relying on the BJP or Shiv Sena’s support in the constituency.
Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, is also a candidate for the NCP, running for the Anushakti Nagar constituency, where Malik himself previously held a seat. This has intensified political maneuvering in the region, with BJP’s Suresh Krishna Patil running as the Mahayuti’s preferred candidate against Malik, further underlining the divide within the alliance. The Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi, who has held the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat since 2009, is also contesting, adding another layer to an already crowded race. Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Rajendra Waghmare’s independent filing has caused friction, particularly with the Samajwadi Party, as both share an alliance under the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Addressing longstanding accusations of alleged connections with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim, Malik firmly rejected the claims, branding them as political attacks. He reiterated his loyalty to Ajit Pawar, underscoring the importance of Pawar’s support during Malik’s recent legal troubles. Malik faced high-profile legal challenges, including a 2022 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over alleged money laundering charges. He described the charges as politically motivated and expressed confidence in ultimately clearing his name, stating that he believes the case is baseless and part of a broader attempt to damage his political career.
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, Malik predicted a closely contested race, anticipating a "neck-to-neck fight" that could reshape political alliances. He highlighted Ajit Pawar's influence, emphasizing Pawar’s potential role as a kingmaker if the election results yield a hung assembly. Malik underscored the unpredictability of Maharashtra politics, recalling how unforeseen alliances shaped the state’s governance after the 2019 elections. He suggested that similar surprises could define the post-election landscape, with possible realignments among major factions, independents, and smaller parties.
With voting scheduled for November 20 and the results expected three days later, the battle for Maharashtra’s 288-seat assembly promises to be a turning point. The state’s political fabric may be rewoven based on shifting alliances, independent players, and the calculated moves of influential leaders like Ajit Pawar. Malik expressed confidence in the NCP’s prospects and its readiness to adapt to evolving political realities, signaling his belief that this election could usher in a new era of power-sharing and unexpected partnerships in Maharashtra’s governance.
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