High-Stakes Battle Unfolds in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar as NCP and BJP Clash Over Official Candidacy

A new political clash in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar sees NCP's Nawab Malik and BJP's preferred Shiv Sena candidate Suresh Krishna Patil contesting for dominance. Malik, previously independent, now represents NCP under Ajit Pawar's faction, intensifying the Mahayuti alliance's challenges.

The political landscape in Maharashtra has become increasingly contentious as the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency witnesses a heated contest over candidacy. Nawab Malik, representing the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has become a prominent figure in this struggle after officially fielding his candidacy for the assembly seat.

In a strategic move aiming to secure the seat, Malik filed his nomination as an NCP candidate, despite initial intentions to stand as an independent. This decision follows the party's endorsement, showcasing a significant push within the NCP to bolster its influence in the region known for its significant Muslim vote bank, historically dominated by the Samajwadi Party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, is throwing its weight behind Shiv Sena's Suresh Krishna Patil, with BJP leader Kirit Somaiya vehemently supporting Patil's candidacy. The BJP's determination to cement their presence in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar reflects the party's broader ambitions ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)