The ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appeared to distance itself from its former minister Nawab Malik, who recently made appearances in the Maharashtra Legislature, triggering a political uproar.
Malik, previously imprisoned for 18 months and currently out on medical bail, drew attention when he took a seat among the treasury benches during the Winter Session. This move incited criticism from other ruling allies, namely the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), causing an outcry.
Responding to the situation, state NCP (AP) President Sunil Tatkare stated that Malik, though a senior colleague, had no involvement in recent political events during his imprisonment. Tatkare clarified that the party had not engaged in any political discussions with Malik.
Tatkare attributed the interactions between party members and Malik to mere inquiries about his health after his medical bail. However, the ongoing embarrassment prompted discussions, with NCP (AP) Working President Praful Patel likely to meet with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis to address the issue.
Reports indicate that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also viewed Malik's alignment with the Ajit Pawar faction negatively, sparking concerns among legislators from Shiv Sena and BJP regarding the potential repercussions of Malik associating with the ruling coalition. This development holds significance as both Shinde and Fadnavis had previously criticized Malik.
Key Points:
1. The ruling ally NCP (AP) distanced itself from former minister Nawab Malik, recently seen at the Maharashtra Legislature, following an uproar from opposition parties and within the coalition.
2. Malik, previously jailed for 18 months and out on medical bail, attended the session, sitting with the ruling party, triggering objections from BJP's Fadnavis and Shiv Sena's Shinde.
3. Fadnavis expressed strong objections to Malik's presence with the ruling side, highlighting his disapproval to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
4. NCP (AP) President Sunil Tatkare clarified that Malik, despite being a senior colleague, was not involved in the political events during his jail term, indicating the party's lack of political discussions with him.
5. Tatkare mentioned the cordial meetings with Malik post his bail, explaining them as informal inquiries about his health, and downplayed his interaction in the Assembly as typical interactions among old acquaintances.
6. In response to the escalating issue, NCP (AP) Working President Praful Patel plans to discuss the matter with Fadnavis, aiming to address the concerns raised within the coalition.
7. CM Shinde also reportedly disapproves of Malik aligning himself with the Ajit Pawar faction and sitting among the treasury benches, prompting criticism from opposition parties and concerns from ruling party legislators.
8. Shiv Sena and BJP legislators within the ruling bloc are uneasy about Malik's apparent association, considering the past criticisms from both Shinde and Fadnavis against him.
9. The ongoing controversy has stirred discomfort and potential political repercussions within the ruling MahaYuti government, raising questions about coalition unity.
10. The incident involving Nawab Malik has triggered internal strife and criticism within the coalition, necessitating discussions and potential resolutions to maintain stability and unity.
(With Agency Inputs)
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