Maharashtra polls: Ajaz Khan says he's contesting from Byculla

There have been numerous actors who have taken the plunge into politics over the years, and the latest to join the bandwagon is Ajaz Khan. The controversial actor, known for his stint in Bigg Boss, has applied to contest as an Independent Candidate from Byculla constituency in Mumbai for the upcoming Maharashtra elections. 

READ: Payal Rohtagi Lodges Complaint Against Ajaz Khan Alleging He Posted Lewd Comments Against Her On Social Media

Ajaz Khan on Saturday shared an image from his nomination application, where apart from his photograph, the party category shows as ‘Independent’, Status as ‘Applied’ and Place: 'Byculla, Maharashtra'. Ajaz Khan wrote on Twitter, "Today Final Scrutiny of Nomination Papers of Candidates of Byculla Constituency.. MLA Ajaz Khan will Contest from Byculla Now..!! #IndependentCandidate #MaharashtraElection2019. (sic)." 

The scrutiny of the nominations are being carried out on October 5, so it is not clear yet if he has been given the go-ahead for contesting. Those who’ve filed the nominations can withdraw their application till October 7.   

Controversies

Ajaz Khan is known for his controversies, considering multiple cases have been filed against him over the years, where he has also served jail sentence. This includes assault, both physical and sexual, possession of drugs and more. The actor’s latest controversy was when he was arrested and jailed for allegedly inciting communal hatred in a TikTok video. He is currently out on bail after serving sentence till July 22.  It isn’t clear yet if those will have a bearing up on the status of his nomination and if he can contest.  

READ: Ajaz Khan Sent To 14-day Judicial Custody In Objectionable TikTok Video Case, Details Here

Byculla in South Mumbai and the areas around it like Bhendi Bazaar till now had fascinated Bollywood only on screen, with multiple gangster movies being set in this area.   

READ: ‘Bigg Boss’ Fame Ajaz Khan Booked For Allegedly Abusing, Assaulting Model, Director Of A Fashion Show, Currently Absconding

Polls

The Assembly elections in Maharashtra are being conducted on October 21 in a single phase. The results are set to be announced on October 24. Maharashtra is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP since 2014. 

Like Ajaz, another first-time candidate this time is Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s son and Youth wing President, Aaditya Thackeray. 

While legends like Amitabh Bachchan, J Jayalalitha had entered politics, Ajaz Khan joins the list of the lesser-known names that include Rakhi Sawant. 

READ: 'This Is A Conspiracy That Has Been Created Against Me' Says Ajaz Khan After Being Arrested For Possession Of Banned Narcotic Substance