Nawab Malik’s Assembly Presence Sparks Controversy Between BJP and Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: The inclusion of MLA Nawab Malik in the treasury benches of the Maharashtra assembly alongside the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Ajit Pawar faction has sparked controversy within the ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed his dissatisfaction with Ajit Pawar, who joined the alliance in August.

After spending nine months in jail on charges of being connected to the underworld, Nawab Malik attended the assembly today following his release on bail. He sat with the Ajit Pawar faction, leading to speculation that he has aligned himself with them.

His presence at the assembly became the focal point of discussion on the first day of the Winter Session, prompting Devendra Fadnavis to write a letter to Ajit Pawar. According to sources, the letter stated, “Including Nawab Malik in the ruling alliance would not be appropriate considering the charges against him.”

In the letter, Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of the country, stating, “Power comes and goes, but the country is important.” He allegedly added, “If the charges against them are not proven, we should welcome them. However, we firmly believe that it is not suitable to include them in our alliance when there are such allegations against him.”

Earlier today, Ambadas Danve, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction, criticized the BJP and the Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena for allowing Nawab Malik to join them after accusing him of corruption for months.