Mumbai: In a most surprising twist, NCP chief Nawab Malik has continued and declared his willingness for the election despite that the ticket was not awarded to him by the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, NCP. This decision follows BJP’s objection to his candidacy due to past corruption allegations, which led to Malik’s incarceration before he was released on bail.
At the beginning, the NCP Ajit Pawar faction devised to deny Malik ticket for contesting election in Anushakti Nagar constituency and instead give the ticket to his daughter, Sana Malik. However, Nawab Malik recently declared preparedness to contest the elections, as an independent candidate or a candidate of the NCP from Shivajinagar-Mankhurd constituency.
Tensions Rise Within NCP
The announcement has also created factionalism within the NCP. Bharatiya Janata Party senior leaders Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal and other regional leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar met Malik to dissuade him from campaigning for the contest. Chhagan Bhujbal declined to speak to the media, pointing to the fact that only cordial talks were held with Malik in private.
After the meeting concluded, Nawab Malik remained categorical to vie for the position. He emphatically stated, “I am committed to running, and I will contest the election from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.” He intends to submit his nomination papers on October 29.
Learning Political Background and Processes
The decision to deny Malik a ticket was taken at the strategy meeting in Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah which was attended by CM Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis. At this meeting, there was consensus not to nominate Malik for this same reason which saw him gaol term on charges of corruption.
The BJP’s concerns have been at the core of this decision revealing underlying rivalry between the parties as the coalition base changes. But since Malik continues with his bid, the party faces several political challenges in terms of internal cohesion, and external forces.