BJP will not campaign for Nawab Malik: Ashish Shelar

Mumbai: Many dramatic developments took place on the last date of filing of nominations for the State polls on Tuesday (October 29). The NCP (AP) gave the AB form to Nawab Malik, whose candidature from the NCP (AP) was opposed by the BJP, being a partner of the Maha Yuti. Malik filed his nomination from Shivajinagar-Mankhurd at the last moment.

Malik was lodged in jail for his alleged connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and for money laundering. He was later released on bail. The Shiv Sena (BT) and the BJP have been opposing Malik right from the beginning. However¸ the NCP (AP) ignored it and named Malik its candidate.

BJP stance over the issue

This has raised a question if the other parties from the Maha Yuti would campaign for Malik. The BJP has reacted to this. BJP MLA and Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar said, “It was decided that all Maha Yuti partners would declare their candidates. There was an issue over Nawab Malik’s candidature from the NCP (AP). Now, he has been fielded from the Shivajinagar-Mankhurd constituency by the NCP (AP). DyCM Devendra Fadnavis clarified our party’s stand on the issue earlier. I make it clear that the BJP will not campaign for Malik.”

Different stand on Sana Malik’s candidature

Ashish Shelar said, “The BJP will not campaign for a person who had connections with Dawood Ibrahim. Questions are being asked about campaigning for his daughter Sana Malik. The NCP (AP) has given her candidature from Anushakti Nagar.

“There has been no proof of Sana Malik’s involvement in the case, in which Nawab Malik was arrested. Until her role is not proved the Maha Yuti, including the BJP, will campaign for her because she is an NCP (AP) candidate.”