As Maharashtra approaches its Assembly elections, the fight has gained momentum in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency. The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, has finally zeroed in on this constituency, and Nawab Malik is the chosen one to fight from this constituency from this seat, for which the BJP-the bigger alliance partner in Mahayuti-has shown sharp resistance because of his reported links with the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
It took no time before NCP decided to go ahead ignoring the protest by BJP as it declared Nawab Malik as its candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, after which the latter put its money on Suresh Krishna Patil aka 'Bullet Patil' as an official candidate of Mahayuti.
Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SS) collectively known as the Maha Vikas Agahi, has nominated Rajendra Waghmare for the race. Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar has gained a place on the much-talked-about constituencies in Maharashtra Assembly elections as it is set to see a multi-cornered fight.
All eyes are on whether the division of votes will hinder the prospects of the sitting MLA Abu Azmi or become a defining instance of the differences between Mahayuti partners. A veteran Samajwadi Party leader, Abu Asim Azmi has been representing this seat since 2009. Both Nawab Malik and Abu Azmi spoke to IANS and justified why they had better prospects of outshining the other.
Nawab Malik was full of confidence after his victory as BJP and Shiv Sena filed objections. "When I submitted my nomination, about 15,000 people were present there in his favour. Shiv Sena and BJP could gain only 28,000 votes in the Lok Sabha which is not a winning point," Malik told IANS.
He added, "The BJP and Shiv Sena do not stand a chance" in front of him and pointed to SP's Azmi as his chief opponent, alleging that Azmi tried to scuttle his candidature. "SP leaders tried to impress BJP and Shiv Sena not to let me contest, but Ajit Pawar backed me, knowing well that I am here to fight for public interests.". This election is all about change — against drugs and better education, Malik said, stating that he feels the public is ready for a change.
SP's Abu Azmi is also confident of winning as he has won the previous elections.
The secular voters, such as Dalits and other non-Muslims who would find resonance in the ideologies of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, are bound to reject Mahayuti. They dislike a candidate who glorifies an assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, bans burqas, and singles out Muslims," Azmi said in an interview to IANS.
Reflecting on past victories, Azmi told, "In my earlier win, I had gotten around 15,000 votes more, then in the second one, got 25,000 extra votes, and in the last election, 30 to 35,000; this time, I'd say I'll get around that much more." Blaming Mahayuti on trying to split the votes, he said, "They are not here to fight and win but to tear the votes and defeat people.".
But the people recognize this, and I feel that more voters will join in response. Azmi also discussed the development at his constituency. Here he talked about the development at the infrastructural levels that includes new schools, new hospitals, new roads, along with a college and public toilets.
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