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Nawab Malik, a prominent figure in Maharashtra's political landscape, has created a stir by filing two nomination forms for the upcoming assembly elections. The former minister and NCP leader, aligned with Ajit Pawar's faction, submitted nominations for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly seat, one as an NCP candidate and another as an Independent. This move sparked speculation about a potential pre-poll surprise, prompting Malik to clarify his intentions later in the day.
Malik asserted that he is indeed the official candidate of the NCP, stating that he had filed the Independent nomination form as a precautionary measure. The party's AB form, confirming their candidate for the seat, was submitted later, making Malik the official NCP nominee. He expressed gratitude to Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare for their trust in him and expressed confidence in securing victory in the constituency.
The decision to file dual nominations comes amidst a backdrop of intense political maneuvering in the run-up to the November 20 elections. Malik had been vocal about his desire to contest the elections and had even hinted at potential pressure on the leadership to secure a ticket. He had previously claimed that the public had urged him to contest from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, highlighting the concerns regarding hooliganism and drug activities in the area. His candidacy has also sparked resistance from the BJP, who have expressed disapproval of his nomination, citing his alleged links to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
Malik's history with the NIA case against Dawood and his associates adds a layer of complexity to his political ambitions. While he was granted bail on medical grounds in July this year, his past association with this case has raised eyebrows. This case, along with his involvement with the Ajit Pawar-led faction following the NCP split, further highlights the political complexities surrounding his candidacy.
The Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat is currently held by Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party, who has held it since 2009. Malik's decision to contest from this constituency, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, adds another dimension to the upcoming elections. The race for this seat is likely to be a closely watched contest, as Malik's presence promises to bring with it a new dynamic.
Source: Nawab Malik Files 2 Nomination Forms, Sparks Buzz, Then Clarifies