The political chessboard has been laid for Maharashtra Assembly elections and political parties are fielding their candidates in the electoral arena. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar-led NCP has fielded Fahad Ahmed, husband of actress Swara Bhaskar, as its candidate from Anushaktinagar assembly seat. In front of him, Ajit Pawar’s NCP has fielded Sana Malik, daughter of former minister Nawab Malik. Now the fight on this seat has become stardom versus political legacy. Voting will be held in the state on November 20 and the result will be declared on November 23.
Anushaktinagar seat emerged after reorganization in 2009 and is a part of the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency. There is competition between Shiv Sena and NCP here. NCP leader Nawab Malik reached the assembly after winning the elections from this seat. In the year 2014, Shiv Sena’s Tukaram Kate had given a tough challenge to Nawab Malik and won. Then in 2019, Nawab Malik won again and snatched this seat from Shiv Sena.
Muslim votes highest
Anushaktinagar seat has more Marathi, Dalit, Muslim and North Indian voters. Muslim voters have the most influence. This is the reason why Sharad faction and Ajit Pawar faction have tried their luck only on Muslim voters. The number of Muslim voters is about 30 percent. The victory of the candidate towards whom these voters are inclined is considered certain. Apart from Muslims, Patil is around 2 percent and Yadav is 1.6 percent. Not only this, the number of SC voters is also more than 6 percent, whose role is considered important.
Fahad Ahmed is contesting the elections on the symbol of NC (Sharad Pawar faction). Earlier, Ahmed was a part of Samajwadi Party and was the state president of its youth wing Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha. It was said that SP leader Abu Azmi had spoken to Sharad Pawar and proposed that if the Pawar-led party does not have a candidate for the seat, then Fahadh can contest from Anushaktinagar as the NCP-Pawar faction candidate. Pawar accepted his statement.
Who is Fahad Ahmed?
Fahad Ahmed has been active in student unions and joined Samajwadi Party in the year 2022. He has launched a movement for fee waiver for students from backward communities. He has also been protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. He married Swara Bhaskar on 16 February 2023. SP made him the state president of the youth wing Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha and he has been very active in politics and his popularity increased rapidly.
Who is Sana Malik?
At the same time, it was being said that Ajit’s group could give ticket to Nawab Malik, but after the instructions received from the BJP high command, his name was cleared. Daughter Sana Malik was given the ticket in her place. Nawab Malik is very angry with the party’s decision and says that he will definitely contest the elections. Nawab Malik is an accused in the money laundering case. There have also been allegations against him that he had relations with Dawood Ibrahim.
Nawab Malik had to go to jail in 2022. After this his daughter Sana Malik came into limelight. After Nawab Malik went to jail, Sana took over his political responsibilities. During the Corona epidemic, she remained among the common people in Anushaktinagar constituency and along with helping, did many development works. After learning the tricks of inherited politics, NCP made him its spokesperson. Now she is seen batting hard on the political pitch, but the result of the real exam will be revealed to everyone on 23rd November.
Who won on Anushaktinagar and when?
On this seat, in the year 2019, Nawab Malik of NCP (undivided) got 65,217 votes, while Tukaram Kate of Shiv Sena (undivided) got 52466 votes. NCP had defeated Shiv Sena by a margin of more than 12 thousand votes. Earlier in the 2014 elections, Tukaram Kate had defeated Nawab Malik by a slight margin of 1007 votes. Kate got 39,966 votes, while Nawab Malik got 38,959 votes. Nawab Malik had won the elections held for the first time in 2009 after the formation of Anushaktinagar seat. He defeated Tukaram Kate by a margin of 6825 votes. Malik got 38,928 votes. Whereas, 32,103 votes were cast in favor of Kate.