New Delhi: Ajit Pawar-led NCP candidate Sana Malik won Mumbai’s Anushakti Nagar with 49,341 votes amid allegations of “rank manipulation” in the form of EVM tampering by Fahad Ahmad of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
After 19 rounds of counting, Ahmad, Swara Bhasker’s husband, trailed by 3,378 votes. Sana, who is NCP leader Nawab Malik’s daughter, secured 49,341 votes.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Ahmad sought a recount of rounds 16, 17, 18 and 19. His wife and actor Swara Bhasker made a similar post on ‘X’ that “99% battery charger EVMs are opened and BJP supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes lead” after round 17, 18, 19 of counting.
After round 16 and a steady lead in all rounds.. EVM machines that were 99% charged were opened and BJP supported NCP Ajit Pawar candidate took a lead .. @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI this is rank manipulation. We demand a recount of rounds 16, 17, 18 and 19. pic.twitter.com/Z2JuUyIQqc
— Fahad Ahmad (@FahadZirarAhmad) November 23, 2024
Ahmad is a student activist and politician who was earlier a member of the Samajwadi Party (SP) before he moved to the NCP (SP). Malik is the daughter of NCP leader Nawab Malik.
Anushakti Nagar, which falls under the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituency, has been witnessing a fierce battle between the Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar NCP factions.
Bhasker not only campaigned extensively for Ahmad but also conducted a crowdfunding exercise to seek public donations to support her husband. The NCP(SP) is contesting as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which also includes the Congress and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).
In #AnushaktiNagar vidhaan sabha after a steady lead by @FahadZirarAhmad of NCP-SP.. round 17, 18, 19 suddenly 99% battery charger EVMs are opened and BJP supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes lead. How can machines that have been voted on ALL day long have 99% charged… https://t.co/GknxDWOb5v
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) November 23, 2024
Nawab Malik represented the constituency twice in the past and despite opposition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, he advocated for his daughter. He himself is the NCP candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.
Anushakti Nagar is a relatively new constituency that came into existence in 2008 after a delimitation exercise. Its political landscape has been dominated by Nawab Malik, who represented the seat first in 2009 and then in 2019.
In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) polled a big lead in the Anushakti Nagar assembly segment. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Anil Desai—who won the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha seat—had polled 79,767 votes in the assembly segment, while the Shinde-led Sena’s Rahul Shewale secured 50,684 votes.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Fahad lost because of his wife Swara Bhasker.
Swara’s refusal to accept Islam has irked people here. Being a resident of the place, I have heard many conversations in public places regarding Swara Bhasker’s obstinate refusal to convert to Islam.
Islam does not permit the marriage between a believer and a non-believer. It’s absolutely not accepted.
Fahad and Swara have sinned against Allah and they will be punished accordingly.