Mumbai, October 29, 2024: In a classic election season surprise, Nawab Malik has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat under the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) banner. But in true political thriller style, this nomination follows a suspenseful independent run after initial denials. Malik, now the official NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate, presented his AB form just in time, securing his spot against Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi.
After weeks of back-and-forth, Malik’s journey took an unexpected detour. The seasoned NCP figure had first filed as an independent, citing “Mahayuti pressures” from BJP allies blocking his way. But, with Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, and Sunil Tatkare rallying behind him, the NCP decided Malik’s influence in the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency was indispensable after all. Speaking with ANI, a confident Malik stated, “The leadership knows we’re bringing the win home.”
The Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, historically dominated by Samajwadi Party’s Azmi, finds itself in an all-new tug-of-war. With a robust voting base keenly attentive to their candidates, Malik’s late-stage official backing aims to capture the seat’s significant Muslim vote.
In a simultaneous dynastic play, Malik’s daughter Sana Malik is running from the Anushakti Nagar seat, carrying the NCP banner herself. The duo’s decision speaks volumes about the state of family strategy and public image in Maharashtra’s ever-shifting political scene.
As the Maharashtra Assembly election countdown ticks on, voters can expect a whirlwind campaign in the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency. For Malik, the stakes are high, with reputations and relationships on the line. Whether this calculated switch will pay off is something the November 20 ballot will reveal, as Maharashtra’s voters cast their verdict.
