NCP's Nawab Malik criticizes BJP's anti-conversion law proposal, signals potential alliances in Maha
MUMBAI: Nawab Malik, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, voiced strong criticism on Tuesday against the anti-conversion law proposed in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for Maharashtra. Malik dismissed the proposed legislation as a tactic to "misguide people" and affirmed that the NCP would not join forces with the BJP if it continues to push "divisive and disputed issues."
Despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Malik did not rule out aligning with the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) if the upcoming assembly results lead to a hung house. While the BJP, a senior partner in the ruling Mahayuti, is supporting Shinde Sena's candidate Suresh Patil in the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, Malik emphasized that any future government, if led by the Mahayuti, would be based on a Common Minimum Programme rather than purely BJP-driven policies.
"BJP will have to leave out some issues," Malik told The Times of India in an interview, suggesting that compromises would be necessary to form a stable government.
In response to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial "Batenge toh Katenge" remark, widely interpreted as targeting Muslims, Malik condemned the statement. "I condemn this slogan. Politics based on religion is short-lived," he asserted. Malik also criticized the BJP's plan for an anti-conversion law, saying, "Right to religion is a fundamental right, and conversion cannot be stopped. BJP is playing with words to misguide people."
When asked about the NCP's stance in the event of a coalition, particularly whether they might support the MVA if no party gains an outright majority, Malik remained open-ended. "Anything is possible. Anyone can go with anyone," he said, emphasizing the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political scene as the state heads towards a potentially fragmented election outcome.
Malik was optimistic about NCP's electoral prospects, expressing confidence that party leader Ajit Pawar would secure enough seats to act as a "kingmaker" in the post-election scenario. He hinted at the possibility of a situation similar to 1999, where no single party had a clear majority, allowing the NCP to play a pivotal role.
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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
