Nawab Malik is a veteran and influential leader in Maharashtra’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). A prominent figure in Mumbai politics, Malik is known for his work among the Muslim community and his involvement in social welfare initiatives, particularly in education. Despite his political stature, he has also been involved in controversies and rivalries, particularly with senior officials.
Key Points about Nawab Malik:
- Political Background:
- Current Contest: Malik is contesting from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, after previously winning from Anushakti Nagar in the 2019 election. He is currently trailing behind Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party.
- Political Journey: Malik began his political career in the 1984 elections, securing only 2,500 votes, but later achieved success, winning seats in the Maharashtra Assembly in 1996, 1999, and 2004 from Nehru Nagar. He was elected from Anushakti Nagar in 2009 but lost in the 2014 elections to Shiv Sena’s Tukaram Ramkrishna Kate.
- Party Switch: Malik was originally with the Samajwadi Party but switched to the NCP after alleged differences with Abu Azmi. He is now the national spokesperson and Mumbai president of the NCP.
- Controversies:
- Disputes with Sameer Wankhede: Malik became embroiled in a legal controversy with Sameer Wankhede, a senior Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer. In 2022, Wankhede filed a complaint against Malik under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, accusing him of making defamatory remarks about him and his family, including references to their caste.
- Public Image:
- Malik is known for his strong influence among the Muslim community in Mumbai, where he has built a reputation as a key political figure. He is also acknowledged for his contributions to social work, particularly focusing on the welfare of minorities and improving educational opportunities for underprivileged sections.
- Electoral Performance:
- Malik has seen fluctuating electoral success, with victories in 1996, 1999, 2004, and 2009 but a loss in 2014. He faces a tough challenge in the 2024 elections as he competes against Abu Azmi, a three-time winner from the constituency, and Suresh Patil of Shiv Sena.
- Controversial Associations:
- Malik has had a political history of shifting alliances. He had previously worked closely with Maneka Gandhi, which further highlights the complexity of his political ties.
Conclusion:
Nawab Malik’s political career has been marked by his strong influence in Maharashtra’s politics, especially among minority communities, and his longstanding role in the NCP. However, his political journey has also been marred by controversies, especially his ongoing rivalry with Abu Azmi and the legal issues related to his comments about Sameer Wankhede. As he faces off against formidable opponents in the 2024 elections, Malik’s ability to maintain his influence in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar will be closely watched.
