Not rebel, will stand with Ajit Pawar, don’t need BJP, Shiv Sena’s support: NCP's Nawab Malik
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik, who has been nominated by the Ajit Pawar-led faction for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly seat, leaving Mahayuti partners BJP and Shiv Sena surprised, stated on Wednesday that he is an official NCP candidate and not a rebel.
An apparent conflict has emerged within the Mahayuti alliance following the NCP's announcement of Nawab Malik as its candidate, while the BJP put forward Suresh Krishna Patil as its official candidate for the seat.
"I am not a rebel. I am an official candidate of the NCP. This seat was given to the NCP. When my name was announced as a candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Shiv Sena and BJP opposed me. They said they would not work for me. I don't want their support. They are free to oppose me and field candidates before me or my daughter. We are ready to face them," he told India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai in an interview.
Malik, sitting MLA from Anushakti Nagar, has left that constituency to his daughter Sana, who is making her debut in electoral politics as NCP candidate.
In light of allegations linking him to underworld figures by the saffron party and the Shiv Sena, Malik firmly rejected such claims, and emphasised his loyalty to Ajit Pawar. "They all alleged that I am Dawood's man or have a link with him, but such a kind of case is not there. They will always oppose me. I stood with Ajit Pawar because he supported me. When we were in trouble, he stood behind my family," he told the news channel.
"I am always with Ajit Pawar and I am not with the BJP or Shiv Sena. They will make such allegations. It is my duty that I have to stand behind the person who supported me," he added.
Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.
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Supriya Sule vows to rebuild NCP (SP) with renewed commitment
Mumbai, Nov 24: Senior NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said on Sunday that her party, which won 10 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, respects people’s mandate and pledged to work towards a capable, inclusive and progressive state.
In a statement on X, the Baramati MP promised to rebuild their party and said it would move forward with determination despite its dismal show. Her party and its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) collectively bagged only 46 of the state’s 288 assembly seats.
“We respect and humbly accept the verdict of the people in the assembly elections. This result is a moment for deep reflection and renewal. We will introspect, learn, and rebuild with honesty, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to the values we stand for,” Sule wrote.
She stressed that her party was committed to creating a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra.
“Our vision of a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra remains unchanged. We reaffirm our pledge to fight for the rights, dignity, and self-respect of farmers, workers, women, youth, and every marginalised section of society,” Sule stated.
Sule said that her party will continue to carry forward the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and social reformers like Jyotiba Phule. “We are determined to carry forward the timeless ideals of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar with renewed energy and purpose,” she wrote on the social media platform.
Sule congratulated those who had won in the elections. “We hope you will serve Maharashtra with dedication and prioritise the welfare of every citizen,” she said.
The MP, the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, expressed gratitude to the voters, party workers, their MVA allies and the authorities for facilitating the elections.
“A heartfelt thank you to all voters, the diligent workers and leaders of NCP (SP), our Maha Vikas Aghadi allies, the Election Commission, police, administration, media, and everyone who contributed to making this election a vibrant celebration of democracy," Sule added.
Sule said the party would remain focused on its goals and continue its efforts to serve the people of Maharashtra. “We remain steadfast. Our fight continues—with humility, with courage, and with the hope of building a Maharashtra that fulfils the dreams of its people,” she added.
Sharad Pawar suffered the worst-ever defeat in his political career in Maharashtra polls with the NCP faction led by him winning only 10 seats in the 288-member House. His MVA partners Congress and Sena (UBT) got 16 and 20 seats, respectively.
The ruling Mahayuti scored a massive victory with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde emerging victorious in 57, and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar grabbing 41 seats.
