Controversy Erupts as Nawab Malik Joins Ruling Bench, Fadnavis Objects in Letter to Ajit Pawar
Nagpur, 7th December 2023: Former minister Nawab Malik, recently released on bail amid accusations from the BJP, stirred controversy by taking a seat on the ruling bench during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. This move prompted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to express his objections in a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, potentially causing a rift within the Maha Yuti.
Nawab Malik, accused of embezzlement in the Madinatul-Aman CHS Goawala Compound land deal involving individuals linked to Dawood Ibrahim, had been under criticism from the BJP, branding him as a traitor. Following his release from jail, Malik made his presence felt in Maharashtra politics by directly occupying a seat within the ruling party, aligned with the Ajit Pawar group.
Expressing his concerns over Malik’s seating arrangement, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, raising objections and calling attention to the potential controversy within the Maha Yuti. Fadnavis questioned the inclusion of individuals criticized as traitors within positions of power.
During a session in the Legislative Council, the issue was further intensified when BJP leader Ambadas Danve sought clarification from the government regarding the inclusion of individuals criticized as traitors in positions of power. Fadnavis responded by challenging the opposition’s stance, asking why Malik’s ministerial post wasn’t revoked during his imprisonment.
Sushma Andhare, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized Fadnavis, likening him to a lizard and accusing him of hypocrisy. She pointed to previous instances where individuals facing serious allegations were appointed to cabinet positions, drawing parallels to the current situation with Nawab Malik. The controversy spilt onto social media, with Sushma Andhare posting a humorous yet scathing comment on X, drawing comparisons between the handling of Malik’s case and previous instances within the BJP.
In response to the criticism, Fadnavis defended the government’s stance, stating that they did not shy away from removing ministers accused of wrongdoing. He highlighted the cooperation within the ruling party and challenged the opposition to explain their previous decisions regarding ministers facing serious charges.
