Wed Oct 30 08:30:00 UTC 2024: ## BJP Refuses to Campaign for NCP Candidate Nawab Malik, Accused in Dawood Ibrahim Case

**Mumbai:** The BJP has refused to campaign for Nawab Malik, the NCP candidate for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly election, citing his alleged involvement in a money laundering case linked to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Malik, a prominent NCP leader and a key figure in the Ajit Pawar faction, filed two nominations – one for NCP and another as an Independent. He later claimed to be the official NCP candidate after the party’s support.

The BJP’s Maharashtra unit chief, Ashish Shelar, stated the party’s clear stance: “All parties in the alliance should decide their own candidates. We won’t campaign for Nawab Malik, as we don’t endorse anyone related to Dawood or Dawood-related cases.”

However, the BJP has extended a benefit of the doubt to Malik’s daughter Sana Malik, the NCP candidate for the Anushakti Nagar seat. Shelar clarified, “As long as we don’t have any proof or information about her, all Mahayuti candidates are BJP candidates.”

Sources reveal pressure from the BJP on Ajit Pawar to deny Malik the nomination. Pawar, facing internal criticism for perceived compromises within the alliance, is believed to have asserted himself by backing Malik, a top NCP leader and a crucial voice within the Muslim community. The NCP’s traditional stronghold in the community has been weakened by their alliance with the BJP.

The NCP, acknowledging the BJP’s reservations, delayed publicly announcing their support for Malik until the last minute, just five minutes before the nomination deadline.

Malik’s main rival, Samajwadi Party’s three-time MLA Abu Azmi, has dismissed the BJP’s reservations as an eyewash. His presence in the contest is likely to split the Muslim vote, potentially benefiting the ruling alliance.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s Kirit Somaiya announced support for Shiv Sena’s Suresh Krishna Patil, the official candidate for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat.

The situation highlights the complexities of the BJP-NCP alliance, with the BJP navigating its commitment to the alliance while maintaining its stand against individuals allegedly linked to criminal activities.

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