Maharashtra Assembly Elections: NCP (SP) Nominates Fahad Ahmed, Husband of Swara Bhaskar, from Anu Shakti Nagar

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NCP (Sharad Pawar) Chooses Fahad Ahmed for Anu Shakti Nagar: A Controversial Decision

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has stirred controversy by selecting Fahad Ahmed, husband of actress Swara Bhaskar, as its candidate for the Anu Shakti Nagar constituency in the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. The decision has sparked discontent among party loyalists, raising questions about internal dynamics and electoral strategy.

Fahad Ahmed, formerly the youth president of the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra, joined the NCP (Sharad Pawar) after being granted the ticket. This move came in a constituency that has historically been represented by senior NCP leader Nawab Malik, now aligned with Ajit Pawar’s faction. Malik’s daughter, Sana Malik, is running as the NCP (Ajit Pawar) candidate for the same seat, creating a face-off between two factions of the same party.

Both Fahad and Sana bring impressive educational credentials to the contest. Fahad holds a PhD from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and is known for his leadership during the anti-CAA protests, while Sana is an architect. Despite their qualifications, Fahad’s nomination has upset seasoned party workers, who feel sidelined.

 Fahad’s Candidacy: A Strategic Move for Anu Shakti Nagar
The Anu Shakti Nagar constituency holds strategic importance for the NCP (SP), given its significant Muslim population, comprising 30-35%, alongside Sindhi and North Indian communities. Fahad’s political and academic background was seen as a compelling factor in countering the claim to the seat by Abu Asim Azmi of the Samajwadi Party, following Nawab Malik’s defection.

However, this choice hasn’t come without friction. Party loyalists, including Nilesh Bhosle and Sohail Subhedar, have voiced dissatisfaction, citing years of dedication to the party without due reward. Additionally, Ravindra Pawar, a long-time municipal corporator who was considered for the seat, reportedly declined active involvement, leaving the door open for Fahad’s entry.

 Advocating for the Decision
Advocate Arvind Tiwari, spokesperson and general secretary of NCP (SP), defended Fahad’s nomination, highlighting his intellectual and political acumen, as well as his roots in TISS, a prominent institution in the constituency. Tiwari noted that Fahad’s leadership experience as the Samajwadi Party’s State Youth President aligns with the constituency’s demographic and cultural composition, which includes educational and industrial hubs.

Tiwari also acknowledged the disappointment among party veterans but emphasized that the NCP (SP) is working to consolidate its strength under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. He expressed confidence in Sharad Pawar’s leadership, asserting that collective efforts would not only secure the seat but also position the party for success in upcoming municipal and state government formations.

Electoral Dynamics and Challenges
The contest in Anu Shakti Nagar reflects larger political shifts in Maharashtra, particularly within the NCP. With Nawab Malik’s departure creating a leadership vacuum and Abu Asim Azmi’s stake adding pressure, the NCP (SP)’s decision to field Fahad Ahmed appears to be a calculated move to retain influence. However, this strategy also risks alienating long-time supporters and party workers, many of whom view the nomination as an imposition.

Fahad Ahmed’s candidacy will test the NCP (SP)’s ability to balance fresh faces with party loyalty, particularly in a constituency as diverse and strategically vital as Anu Shakti Nagar. The results of this gamble could have significant implications not only for the assembly elections but also for the broader political landscape in Maharashtra, as both factions of the NCP vie for supremacy under the shadow of their shared legacy.

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