Mumbai BJP Chief Criticizes Ajit Pawar's Candidate Choice Amidst Election Strategies

Mumbai BJP Chief Ashish Shelar criticized NCP's Ajit Pawar for selecting Nawab Malik as a candidate, citing serious allegations against him. Shelar emphasized BJP's opposition to figures linked with terrorism. He also discussed Ajit Pawar's strong electoral position and predicted gains for the party in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Ashish Shelar on Thursday criticized Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar for offering a ticket to Nawab Malik, despite severe allegations against him. Shelar firmly stated that the BJP cannot be associated with such individuals, and highlighted Nawab Malik's candidacy for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat under the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.

In an interview with ANI, Shelar remarked, "Ajit Pawar should not have given him a ticket; many in Maharashtra share this sentiment. The serious allegations and chargesheet against him are unacceptable to Maharashtra. The BJP has made its stance clear. Maharashtra opposes an international terrorist like Dawood. If he has indeed been granted a ticket, the BJP cannot endorse such people. We won't campaign for this candidate. Instead, our support will go to the candidate opposing him." Shelar expressed confidence in Ajit Pawar's popularity in Baramati, predicting an assured win for Pawar there.

Shelar commented positively on Ajit Pawar's track record in Baramati, stating, "I visited Baramati and saw that Ajit Pawar's work there is commendable. He delivers on his promises, which has built his reputation across Maharashtra. I believe his victory will be straightforward." On the topic of the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi, Shelar asserted that it no longer holds any significance, contending that internal conflicts among opposition leaders have weakened the coalition.

Reflecting on the BJP's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Shelar acknowledged internal missteps that had led to disappointing outcomes. He stated that the current electoral atmosphere differs from the last elections, with growing public satisfaction. Shelar anticipated that the Mahayuti alliance would secure a comfortable majority in the upcoming elections. Discussing the Worli constituency, he highlighted Mahayuti candidate Milind Deora's better grasp of the area compared to Aaditya Thackeray of MVA, pledging full BJP support for Deora.

The Mumbai BJP Chief clarified there is no dispute over the Chief Ministerial candidate, affirming that the elections will be fought under Eknath Shinde's leadership, with a final decision on the Chief Ministerial face to be made collaboratively post-elections. He also confirmed the alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the Mahayuti banner, ahead of Maharashtra's single-phase assembly elections on 20 November, with the results to be declared on 23 November.

(With inputs from agencies.)