Nawab Malik to contest assembly polls? Daughter Sana sends 'wait and watch' message across

Ahead of the maha battle, Sana Malik has bagged a ticket from NCP to contest from Anushakti Nagar despite reported objections by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Further, Sana has sent a strong 'wait and watch' message across on her father, Nawab Malik, contesting in the upcoming state elections.

Maharashtra's assembly elections are set for November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. As the election date approaches, the political landscape is heating up.

All the parties in Maharashtra are engaged in intense seat-sharing talks. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance--comprising the Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)-- yesterday announced the seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. The ruling Mahayuti alliance is also likely to announce a seat-sharing deal soon.

BJP against Nawab Malik?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly expressed objections to some candidates of ally partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. As per reports, the candidates in question are linked to Nawab Malik and Pradeep Sharma.

According to Aaj Tak, the BJP is reportedly opposing two candidates: Sana Malik, daughter of Nawab Malik, and Swikriti Sharma, wife of Pradeep Sharma. Nawab Malik is currently out on bail related to a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Pradeep Sharma, a former police official, faces scrutiny due to his alleged involvement in the Antilia bomb scare case. The BJP has made clear its disapproval of these nominations.

There are reports that Nawab Malik may also seek a ticket for the Shivaji Nagar-Mankhurd constituency.

In the Andheri East seat, a dispute has arisen between the Shinde faction and the BJP over the nomination of Swikriti Sharma. Currently, this seat is held by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Rutuja Latke. Swikriti Sharma's candidacy is contentious due to her association with Pradeep Sharma, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).