After a series of allegations made against former Mumbai NCB director Sameer Wankhede regarding his caste and religion, the Maharashtra government's Social Justice Department has ordered for a caste scrutiny. The committee has given Wankhede a clean chit, stating that he is indeed a member of the Mahar community, a Scheduled Caste. The ruling also dismissed objections raised by Nawab Malik and others, stating lack of evidence.
NCP's sitting MLA Nawab Malik has filed his nomination from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, submitting two affidavits, one as an independent and the other as an NCP candidate. However, one affidavit is expected to be rejected by the Election Commission. This move comes amid the BJP's objections to giving Malik a ticket for the Maharashtra elections, pointing to the rift between the two parties.
In a bold move, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar has nominated Nawab Malik, a former minister with alleged ties to underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, as their candidate from the Mankhurd Shivajinagar constituency. This nomination has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP vehemently opposing Malik's candidacy and threatening to not campaign for him. Despite this, Malik is confident in his chances and is grateful for the support of his party.
In a surprising twist to the Maharashtra Assembly election, NCP leader Nawab Malik filed two nomination forms for the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat, causing controversy and speculation about his intentions. While he confirmed that he is the official NCP candidate, locals and party members are divided about whether he will run independently. With former ally Sharad Pawar also fielding a candidate against Malik's daughter, the race for the Anushakti Nagar seat has intensified.