Abu Azmi, the three-time Samajwadi Party MLA from Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, expressed concern that Nawab Malik of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) is likely to be fielded against him in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. Speaking at the Free Press Journal‘s Dialogue program, Azmi claimed that Malik, a former minister and sitting MLA from Anushakti Nagar, is being positioned by the BJP-led Maha Yuti coalition to reduce Muslim representation in the state legislature.
Azmi accused the BJP of polarizing voters along religious lines and reducing Muslim representation in legislative bodies. He cited BJP MLAs, like Nitesh Rane, for openly making anti-Muslim remarks without facing legal repercussions. According to Azmi, the BJP is aiming to decrease his votes by fielding Malik, even though Malik might not win the election. He further added that Muslims feel insecure under the current political climate, and are likely to vote for secular candidates to defeat the BJP and its allies.
Azmi also highlighted the Samajwadi Party’s demand for 12 seats from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, including key constituencies such as Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Byculla, and Anushakti Nagar. He stated that despite possibly receiving fewer seats than expected, the party is committed to staying with the MVA to uphold secular values and would never align with the BJP.
Azmi defended the Samajwadi Party’s alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT), a party previously accused of communal politics, by describing it as a choice between “the lesser of two evils.” He also admitted that the Samajwadi Party faces challenges in developing a strong second-tier leadership in Maharashtra, and that workers are often poached by other parties like the Congress and NCP.
Addressing issues in his constituency, Azmi refuted claims that Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar is the primary drug hub in Mumbai, stating that drug abuse is widespread in other parts of the city. He accused the government of failing to address the problem, despite his efforts to raise the issue repeatedly in the assembly. Azmi also responded to the rising opposition from the Govandi Democratic Forum, alleging that they are attempting to build local opposition against him after other political parties failed to win the seat.
Azmi concluded by calling for communal harmony, expressing his desire for peaceful coexistence and unity between communities during religious festivals.
