Referring to repeated assurances about eliminating gangs like the "Koyta gang," Fadnavis said supporting or nominating criminals was "absolutely wrong" and asserted that even if such candidates win elections, they would ultimately face jail, not positions in the municipal corporation

Speaking to reporters, the Maharashtra Minister said, "We cannot endorse Nawab Malik, and this was our stand in the assembly elections last year. We have stuck to it now, and we will have the same stand in future as well"