Political Turmoil in Maharashtra: BJP vs NCP Candidate Nawab Malik Sparks Fiery Debate

BJP's Kirit Somaiya launches a scathing attack on NCP's Nawab Malik, alleging links to terrorism as Malik contests from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar. Amid tensions in the Mahayuti alliance, BJP refuses to support Malik, opting for its own candidate. Maharashtra elections are set for November 20.

In a heated political exchange, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya accused Nawab Malik, the Nationalist Congress Party candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, of being a terrorist. Somaiya alleged that Malik attempted to fragment India and labeled him as an agent of the notorious Dawood Ibrahim. The comments come as a precursor to Malik's candidacy, fielded by the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, drawing severe criticism from BJP ranks. Somaiya further claimed that the NCP betrayed the country by nominating Malik, while expressing support for Eknath Shinde's candidate, Suresh Krishna Patil.

Amidst brewing controversy, Nawab Malik's nomination underscored challenges within the Mahayuti alliance. With the alliance having already declared Suresh Krishna Patil as the official candidate, BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar asserted that the party would not back Malik and reiterated the BJP's firm stance against his candidature. Shelar highlighted prior objections to Malik's alleged connections with Dawood Ibrahim, underscoring the BJP's unwavering resistance to his candidacy.

Nawab Malik, a seasoned politician with a history in Maharashtra's legislative assembly, announced his independent candidacy following his sidelining by the NCP under pressure from the BJP. Meanwhile, Malik's daughter, Sana Malik, is campaigning as an NCP candidate from the Anushakti Nagar assembly seat. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, keeping a keen watch on the political dynamics as BJP and Shiv Sena clamber for strategic positions.

(With inputs from agencies.)