Mumbai: In his latest remarks, the Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and the BJP’s minus one, Devendra Fadnavis has come heavily on the NCP for having floated Nawab Malik for the Mankhurd Shivajinagar Assembly seat. While speaking with the media in an interview, Fadnavis said that regarding decision made by Ajit Pawar’s faction of NCP, ‘I certainly think Ajit Pawar’s party committed a mistake.’ They ought not to have done this. These are clear indications that the administration received our protestations in one ear and proceeded to carry out their resolutions in the other. In response to this, our party has put up its own candidate in the area, and will support efforts made by Shiv Sena in the area as well.
Malik, a former minister, was nominated by Ajit Pawar which has been opposed by both the BJP and the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Nawab Malik, detained on charges of GST fraud and money laundering along with links with being involved in terrorist activities and having maligning the integrity of the country through sedition, has emerged a political football. His candidature has already created some issues for the poll as BJP as well as Shiv Sena consider his chance in the poll as a strong threat.
Malik, however, kicked and said, “I was aware that BJP and Shiv Sena would not allow me to contest for the seat”. But I am thankful to Ajit Pawar for the trust and I am going to fight this election at my level best. Malik also said that Pawar knew that there was opposition to him but he chose to support him and the decision was pre-meditated. So it is obvious that the contest in Mankhurd Shivajinagar will be Nawab Malik vs everyone, he added.
He futher explaining that the competition between the Maha Yuti (Grand Alliance) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances has added more suspense to this election. Malik said that whosoever forms the government, Ajit Pawar has a major part to play. Without Ajit Pawar, no government can be formed in the state. However, as to whether who will align with whom is still unclear, but Ajit Pawar will play the crucial role in final developments, he said.
Malik also rejected the charges against him, he said: “Terrorism and sedition charges have been brought against me, I do not have anything to do with them.” The position sponsored by Haslett has provoked further concerns, regarding the relations between the two alliances and the existence of the ability to switch side after the election.
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