Muslim voters, who played a key role in the previous Lok Sabha elections, are expected to be influential in the upcoming assembly elections too
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – The Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has unveiled a list of 27 star campaigners for the Maharashtra assembly elections, enlisting key Muslim leaders such as Hasan Mushrif, Idris Naikwadi, Jalaluddin Syed, and Wasim Burhan. This selection emphasises the NCP’s strategic push to strengthen its appeal within the Muslim community.
Hasan Mushrif, a respected leader from the Kagal constituency, is well-regarded for representing people across religious lines, transcending his minority background. With a reputation for fostering cross-community relationships, Mushrif has emerged as an influential figure in the NCP. Currently, he holds the role of Minister for Medical Education and Special Assistance, showcasing his broad influence within the party.
In addition, Wasim Burhan, a member of Maharashtra’s Minority Commission, shared his gratitude on social media following his appointment. “My heartfelt gratitude to respected Dada and Tatkare Sahab for my appointment as a star campaigner. I look forward to conveying the goals and vision of the NCP to every voter, and contributing to Maharashtra’s progress under Ajit Pawar’s leadership,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Idris Naikwadi, recently appointed to the Maharashtra Legislative Council and head of the NCP’s Minority Department, is also among the campaigners. His selection is seen as a calculated step to strengthen the party’s minority outreach. According to political analyst Pradeep Deshmukh, while speaking ability and communication skills are the primary qualities sought in star campaigners, the NCP’s inclusion of multiple Muslim figures highlights its effort to appeal to minority voters. “In the last Lok Sabha elections, the Muslim community’s support was limited for Ajit Pawar. Bringing in Idris Naikwadi as an MLC and selecting prominent Muslim leaders for the campaign team demonstrates NCP’s focus on gaining minority support,” Deshmukh observed.
Muslim voters, who played a key role in the previous Lok Sabha elections, are expected to be influential in the upcoming assembly elections too. Political parties are actively seeking their support as they are seen as a decisive voter base.
Noticeably absent from the list is Nawab Malik, an NCP legislator who, after receiving medical bail, joined Ajit Pawar’s faction. Malik is expected to run from the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, while his daughter Sana Malik may contest from Anushakti Nagar under the NCP’s clock symbol.
With these strategic appointments, the NCP appears focused on consolidating minority votes in Maharashtra, which could prove pivotal in shaping the election outcome.