Since the Ajit faction of the NCP nominated Nawab Malik for election, the Grand Alliance has erupted in controversy. The BJP openly opposes Malik’s candidacy, with BJP leader Kirit Somaiya declaring that the party will not support Malik and will actively work to defeat him.
The BJP has consistently resisted Malik’s election bid. Initially, the NCP nominated his daughter, Sana Malik, instead of him. However, questions arise regarding why the NCP granted Nawab Malik the ticket from the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar assembly seat at the last moment. What motivated Ajit Pawar’s decision in this regard?
Ajit Pawar faces pressure from multiple fronts. In the Lok Sabha elections, the NCP secured only four seats, marking its lowest representation in Maharashtra’s 288-seat assembly. Since then, party leaders have hesitated to make compromises. According to an NDTV report, sources within the NCP indicate that the BJP pressured Ajit Pawar not to nominate Malik. Nonetheless, Pawar received criticism from close associates and party leaders who believed he was compromising too much.
Pawar needs to affirm his leadership, and this situation presents an opportune moment. Nawab Malik stands as one of the top five leaders of the NCP and a prominent figure within the Muslim community. Losing his support during the Lok Sabha elections significantly harmed the party. Historically, the NCP has maintained strong ties with the Muslim community, but Ajit Pawar’s alliance with the BJP has eroded that vote base.
The NCP refrains from openly supporting Nawab Malik until the last moment due to objections from both the alliance and the BJP. Ultimately, at 2:55 PM—just five minutes before the deadline for nominations—the party leaders decide to back him.
Abu Azmi, Malik’s main rival and a three-time sitting MLA from the Samajwadi Party in Mankhurd, contends that the BJP’s objections are mere pretences. He argues that bringing Nawab Malik into this contest aims to divide the Muslim votes.