NCP nominee from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar and former minister Nawab Malik on Thursday asked the BJP not to campaign for him, a day after the party said it would not do electioneering for him in the Maharashtra Assembly polls.
He also threatened to take legal action against those who associate his name with underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim.
Malik statement came at the time when BJP leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the party's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, made it clearly known that the party wouldn't campaign for Nawab Malik stating, "Our opinion about Dawood and all those associated with him and his case was clear".
"Don't campaign for me. I do not insist. I am a candidate of the Nationalist Congress Party. I do not insist that they come and campaign for me. I will take legal action against those who associate my name with Dawood," said Malik, who was supposed to kick start the campaign after November 4-the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
Those accused of being associated with Dawood, I will take the matter to court. This is because, against my detractors who have the case of me being on the wrong side, saying I am in contact and related to Dawood. They levelled the charge against me regarding money laundering. No matter how powerful the leader, I have acted on the issue," he said.
He further added, "Some newspapers used to give news about links with Dawood Ibrahim. But they have stopped now."
When asked whether he will withdraw as party nominee, given the two nomination papers - one as an NCP nominee and another as an independent from the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat, Malik said, "You have to understand the legal process. No one can withdraw the nomination now. That right is mine. NCP has given me an AB form and shown trust in me. Even if BJP is against me, I will contest as NCP and win.".
Malik, legislator from the Anushaktinagar constituency, has been taken to Mankhurd Shivajinagar. The NCP has projected Malik's daughter Sana Malik for the Anushaktinagar seat.
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