As the political landscape heats up in Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has launched a fierce attack on Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar. Somaiya labeled Nawab Malik, the NCP candidate, a “terrorist,” claiming his actions threaten the integrity of the nation.
“Nawab Malik is a terrorist who tried to break India into pieces. He is Dawood’s agent, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP has betrayed the country by giving a ticket to Nawab Malik,” Somaiya declared during a campaign event. His comments, reported by news agency ANI, indicate the escalating tensions between the BJP and the NCP as the elections approach.
Malik, who filed his nomination on Tuesday, has stirred controversy within the ruling coalition, known as Mahayuti, which has endorsed Suresh Krishna Patil—also known as Bullet Patil—as its official candidate for the Mankhurd constituency. This has created friction as the BJP appears to distance itself from Malik, with Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar announcing that the party would not campaign for him.
Malik, a former MLA from Anushakti Nagar, had previously declared his intention to run as an independent candidate from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency. In a twist, his daughter, Sana Malik, is also contesting the assembly elections from Anushakti Nagar on an NCP ticket representing the Ajit Pawar faction.
With voting scheduled for November 20 and the counting of votes set for November 23, the Maharashtra assembly elections are shaping up to be a contentious affair. As parties ramp up their campaigns, the accusations and counter-accusations highlight the high stakes and deep divisions within the state’s political arena.