Mahayuti faces major challenge as BJP opposes NCP’s Nawab Malik ahead of Maharashtra polls

The Maharashtra assembly elections have intensified as tensions flare within the Mahayuti alliance over the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar seat. The BJP has endorsed Shiv Sena’s Suresh Krishna Patil, also known as Bullet Patil, as its official candidate. This announcement clashes with the NCP’s decision to field Nawab Malik in the same constituency, sparking discontent between the allies just weeks before the November 20 election.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya highlighted the BJP’s stance on X, vowing to oppose candidates whom he accuses of supporting “Vote Jihad” and “Terrorism,” clearly aimed at Malik’s campaign. Despite the challenge, Nawab Malik officially filed his candidacy as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) nominee. He thanked NCP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, for their confidence in him. Confident of winning, Malik stated that he expects broad support from the area’s predominantly Muslim voters.

The contest over Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar highlights the struggle for influence within the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). The constituency, currently held by Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, leans heavily toward the Muslim vote, adding strategic significance to the rivalry between Malik and Patil.

Meanwhile, political movements continue across Maharashtra. Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, is also running for the NCP from Anushakti Nagar, keeping the family’s political legacy active. Recently, Zeeshan Siddique, son of NCP leader Baba Siddique, joined the NCP in a ceremony with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Zeeshan will represent the NCP in Vandre East, a constituency he won in 2019. His exit from Congress followed the party’s decision to assign his Bandra East seat to Shiv Sena (UBT) as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat-sharing deal.

The final nomination deadline for Maharashtra’s elections passed on October 29, with record-breaking 10,905 nominations submitted across the state’s 288 constituencies. However, candidates can still withdraw their names until November 4, which could lead to further adjustments in alliance line-ups. Within the MVA, Congress will compete in 101 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) in 96, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP in 87, leaving four seats undecided. In key constituencies like Miraj, Sangola, and Dharavi, multiple alliance parties have fielded candidates, signaling ongoing power struggles.

The ruling Mahayuti will field BJP candidates in 152 seats, Shiv Sena in 80, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) in 51, with five seats unresolved. Amid internal rivalries and shifting loyalties, the alliance faces a tough battle to retain a unified stance.

Maharashtra’s elections on November 20 promise a high-stakes competition. Results will be announced on November 23, determining the fate of all 288 seats. In past elections, the BJP emerged strong, winning 105 seats in 2019 and 122 seats in 2014, though the shifting alliances this year may bring unexpected outcomes.