"Until proven, shouldn't be considered guilty": Ajit Pawar campaigns for Nawab, Sana Malik for Maharashtra polls

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 7 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar on Thursday campaigned for party candidates Nawab Malik from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar and Sana Malik from Anushakti Nagar.
Notably, the Mahayuti alliance parties, including Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have opposed Nawab Malik's candidature, with both parties refusing to campaign for him.
Speaking to ANI, Ajit Pawar expressed confidence in his party's prospects, citing strong public enthusiasm. "I attend rallies for many of our candidates. Today, I joined Sana and Nawab Bhai's rally. You can see the public enthusiasm. People from all sections have gathered here, and we're grateful for their support. I am confident we will win both seats," he said.
Pawar also emphasised that inclusive development, regardless of religion or caste, is the only way forward for Maharashtra.
"During my tenure in this government, I have made several decisions to support minorities. We are progressing by taking everyone along, and this is the only path for Maharashtra's development," he said.
Amid the Mahayuti alliance's boycott of Nawab Malik's campaign, Ajit Pawar argued that Malik should not be presumed guilty until proven otherwise.
"There are allegations against Nawab Bhai and other politicians, but until they are proven, he should not be considered guilty," Pawar added.
NCP candidate Nawab Malik, speaking to ANI, stated that the election outcome would be unforgettable. "Ajit Pawar Ji's presence has sparked unique enthusiasm in both constituencies. His decision to back me despite BJP and Shiv Sena opposition has galvanised people, who have taken this election into their own hands. The result will be memorable, and we will fight with full strength to win," he said.
Sana Malik, NCP candidate from Anushakti Nagar and Nawab Malik's daughter, highlighted Pawar's unwavering support.
"Ajit Dada has always supported us wholeheartedly. People appreciate this backing. We are only asking for votes based on our work. My father continually campaigns based on the relationships he has nurtured with the people," Sana Malik told ANI.
The BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) have publicly opposed Malik's candidature, with BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar confirming the party would not campaign for him. Shiv Sena has also raised objections, alleging Malik's supposed links to underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.
In Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Shiv Sena, a Mahayuti alliance member alongside NCP, has fielded Suresh 'Bullet' Patil to contest against Nawab Malik.
On November 6, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) released its election manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly elections, along with constituency-specific manifestos for each seat it is contesting.
The manifestos were launched concurrently in various cities. NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar led the release in Baramati, his home constituency, while State President Sunil Tatkare presented it in Mumbai, and Working President Praful Patel in Gondiya. NCP candidates and local leaders launched their respective constituency manifestos across all assembly constituencies.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies on November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress took 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (ANI)