Nawab Malik’s ask on sharing the stage with NCP Chief Ajit Pawar leads BJP to a situation uncalled for

Nawab Malik’s decision to share the stage with NCP chief Ajit Pawar has put the BJP in a tight spot

Malik, a former minister in the MVA government, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate over alleged links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s associates. Despite this, Ajit Pawar has welcomed Malik into his fold, ignoring BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis’s warnings. Fadnavis had previously alleged that Malik had links with Dawood Ibrahim’s associates, and his arrest was seen as a victory for the BJP. However, Malik’s release on bail and his subsequent alignment with Ajit Pawar have embarrassed the BJP. The opposition MVA has questioned how Fadnavis can accept an accused person with underworld links into the ruling alliance.

The situation has been further complicated by Fadnavis’s open letter to Ajit Pawar, expressing his displeasure at Malik’s inclusion. However, Ajit Pawar has ignored Fadnavis’s concerns, and Malik has been made the NCP spokesperson. The party is likely to give a ticket to either Malik or his daughter in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha polls. The bonhomie between Ajit Pawar and Nawab Malik has given the MVA ammunition to target Devendra Fadnavis. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut reminded Fadnavis of his letter to Ajit Pawar. Fadnavis retorted that he had not changed his stance on Malik. However, the situation has once again put Ajit Pawar’s relationship with the Mahayuti under the scanner, with some RSS publications criticizing the decision to induct him into the alliance.