Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Working President Praful Patel has stated that Nawab Malik’s candidacy for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections will not impact the Mahayuti alliance’s prospects elsewhere in the state. Malik, the official candidate of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, is contesting from the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar constituency in Mumbai, despite facing accusations of money laundering and alleged ties to associates of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Speaking to reporters in Gondia, Patel asserted that the allegations against Malik remain unproven in court. “He is a long-time colleague. If the BJP or Shiv Sena chooses not to back his candidature, or if they wish to field their own nominee against him, they are free to do so. We will take steps to ensure the Mahayuti alliance’s chances remain strong in other areas of the state,” said Patel, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha.