Mumbai: Nawab Malik, leader of the Ajit Pawar (NCP) faction, spoke to IANS on Friday, addressing various issues, including the Maharashtra assembly elections. When asked about the allegations linking him to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, Malik denied the accusations, stating that his name was being dragged into the controversy to tarnish his image.
He explained, “Some leaders are calling me a terrorist, while others have labeled me a traitor. We are monitoring all such statements, and our legal team is investigating. We will send notices to everyone. If they apologize, fine, but if not, we will file cases.” Malik further emphasized that despite being a minister six times, no charges of corruption had ever been levied against him. “When they couldn’t find anything, they created this conspiracy to defame me.”
Malik also discussed the ongoing money laundering case, stating that the court had instructed him not to comment on it. “I trust the court will deliver justice. Every time attempts are made to suppress me, the people have supported me. I believe they will do so again.”
Regarding the upcoming elections, Malik stated that both the Maha Yuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi candidates were contesting against him in the assembly elections, but he had the support of the people in his constituency, Shivaji Mankhurd. He also hinted that workers from all political parties were backing him.
On the possibility of a reunification between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, Malik said, “The people of Maharashtra and workers from both parties want them to come together. But the decision lies with Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.”
Malik also criticized Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s divisive politics, saying, “His politics based on religion will never be accepted in the country. Religious-based statements have short lifespans. The Babri Masjid demolition and the ensuing riots showed how divisive politics leads to electoral losses.”