Fahad Ahmad, the husband of Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker and a leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is currently leading by a narrow margin of over 6,400 votes in the high-stakes contest for the Anushakti Nagar constituency in Maharashtra's state elections. Fahad is up against Sana Malik, the daughter of the veteran NCP leader Nawab Malik, who has been a longstanding figure in the region's political landscape. Sana Malik has been fielded by the NCP in place of her father, who is contesting from the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat this time around. Fahad's candidacy has generated significant attention because of his political switch from the Samajwadi Party to the NCP (SCP) in October 2023, making this contest more intriguing.
Anushakti Nagar has long been a bastion of the NCP, with Nawab Malik winning the seat in the past three general elections (2009, 2014, and 2019). His leadership and influence over the area have been undeniable, making it one of the key strongholds for the NCP in Maharashtra. However, this election marks a turning point, as Nawab Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, steps into the political arena to continue the family’s legacy. At the same time, Fahad’s entry into the contest has disrupted the traditional political structure, as he represents the newly formed NCP (SCP), a breakaway faction led by Sharad Pawar.
Fahad Ahmad’s decision to leave the Samajwadi Party and join the NCP (SCP) was seen as a strategic move to align himself with the faction that is gaining traction among younger voters and those seeking a change in the state's political narrative. Fahad, a well-educated and well-spoken individual, has a strong academic background, having completed his M.Phil from Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. Before his political career, Fahad was known for his involvement in student activism, having served as the state president of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha, the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra unit. His credentials as a young, educated Muslim leader with a commitment to social justice and activism have been central to his campaign’s appeal, especially among progressive and youth voters.
In his bid for Anushakti Nagar, Fahad Ahmad has positioned himself as a candidate who represents the aspirations of the new generation. His supporters believe that he can bring a fresh perspective to the region's politics, advocating for issues that resonate with a younger and more diverse electorate. Fahad’s message of inclusivity, social equity, and educational empowerment has garnered attention in various pockets of the constituency. During the campaign, he has emphasized his role as an activist who has been involved in addressing issues of education, unemployment, and social justice. He has argued that the current political system, dominated by established families and traditional networks, is out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the younger voters.
Fahad’s political entry also reflects the changing dynamics within Maharashtra’s political landscape. With political parties constantly recalibrating their strategies and realigning with new factions, Fahad’s candidacy stands as a testament to the evolving nature of Maharashtra's political landscape. The NCP (SCP), under Sharad Pawar's leadership, has attempted to position itself as a more progressive and dynamic faction, attempting to break away from the traditional political clout enjoyed by established leaders like Nawab Malik and other NCP stalwarts. This shift, led by Fahad, also points to the growing desire among younger voters for political leaders who are perceived as more connected to the ground and less entrenched in the legacy politics that has dominated the state for decades.
Sana Malik, on the other hand, has been working to leverage her father’s longstanding influence in the region, and her candidacy has been backed by the well-oiled NCP machinery. As the daughter of Nawab Malik, she has inherited his strong political legacy in Anushakti Nagar. Her campaign has centered around maintaining the family’s political dominance in the constituency, positioning her as the natural successor to her father's decades-long legacy of public service. She has also garnered the support of traditional NCP voters who are loyal to the Malik family, despite the challenges posed by Fahad’s emerging political presence.
The rivalry between Fahad and Sana has intensified as they represent different visions for the constituency. Sana’s campaign is rooted in preserving the political family legacy, while Fahad’s is about challenging the status quo and offering a fresh approach to governance. The contrast between their political ideologies and campaign strategies has made this one of the most watched contests in the state. Furthermore, race is symbolic as it reflects the generational and factional shifts occurring within Maharashtra's larger political environment.
Fahad Ahmad’s slender lead in the early trends signals a possible shift in the region's political allegiance, although it remains to be seen if he can maintain his momentum as the results are finalized. If he manages to secure a victory, it would be seen as a major win for the NCP (SCP), affirming the party’s relevance and its appeal to the younger electorate. It would also mark Fahad's emergence as a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political sphere, signaling a potential rise of new political voices within the state.
For the NCP, this election outcome could have ramifications that extend beyond Anushakti Nagar. A victory for Fahad would provide a significant boost to the Sharad Pawar faction, demonstrating that it can successfully challenge the dominance of traditional NCP leaders and create a more diverse and dynamic leadership pipeline. It could also serve as a precursor to broader political shifts in Maharashtra, as younger leaders with different perspectives continue to emerge and challenge established political structures.
However, if Sana Malik manages to overcome Fahad’s lead and secure victory, it would reinforce the continued power of political families in Maharashtra. A win for the NCP would also underscore the challenges that newer factions face in attempting to break the stranglehold of dynastic politics, particularly in regions where family-based political power has been entrenched for generations.
As the results continue to unfold, the contest in Anushakti Nagar will likely serve as a key barometer of the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra, especially as more young and educated leaders like Fahad Ahmad make their mark on the state's political scene. Whether Fahad’s lead holds or Sana Malik makes a comeback, this election is a significant one that will be closely watched as it has broader implications for the future of Maharashtra’s political landscape.
