Ajit Pawar Holds Roadshow With Nawab Malik Amid Stiff Opposition From BJP

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar , who hes ruling NCP, on Thursday campaigned for party candidate Nawab Malik, and held a roshow in his support, igring ally BJP 's stiff opposition to his candidature.

Pawar also held a roshow for Malik's daughter Sana, who is contesting her maiden assembly poll from Anushakti Nagar in city.

"I am discharging my responsibility. We are campaigning for him (Malik)," Pawar said.

Malik's candidature has been opposed by BJP, which has alleged that former Maharashtra minister has links with underworld. When Maha Vikas Agahdi (MVA) was in power, Malik, a former minister, was critical of BJP leer Devendra Fnavis , who is w deputy chief minister.

Earlier in day, Pawar said charge has been proven against Malik who was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2022 and later granted bail.

Despite opposition, Pawar minated Malik as party candidate from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar assembly constituency in Mumbai. seat is witnessing a friendly fight as Shiv sena has fielded Suresh Patil from seat.

Samajwi Party's Abu Asim Azmi and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Jagdish Khandekar are also in fray. All India Majlis-e-Ittehul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Vanchit Bahujan Aghi have also fielded candidates in this multi-cornered contest.

Amid BJP's opposition, Malik h said he was t a candidate of Mahayuti, but of NCP.

"He (Pawar) minated me as a party candidate, he came for my campaigning. re can't be anything bigger than that," Malik told reporters on Thursday.

Mankhurd-Shivajinagar constituency has been represented by Samajwi Party's Abu Azmi for last three terms.

Pawar said development has t taken place since last 15 years.

re are problems related to garb. People fall ill. Some decisions need to be taken regarding this. After Nawab Malik is elected, all se problems will be solved, deputy CM said.