Anushakti Nagar, one of Mumbai’s most diverse and dynamic assembly constituencies, stands at the epicenter of a heated political contest as the 2024 assembly elections approach. Known for its vibrant demographic composition, robust community ties, and a history of Muslim representation, the constituency has long been a bastion for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, this year’s elections mark a turning point, defined by legacy, controversy, and an evolving political landscape.
The traditional dominance of Nawab Malik, a seasoned politician and former Maharashtra minister and leader of NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction, has shaped Anushakti Nagar’s identity. Malik’s decision to vacate the seat for his daughter, Sana Malik, and contest from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar adds another layer of intrigue to the battle. As Sana Malik faces her first electoral challenge, Fahad Ahmad, who recently joined the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, emerges as a prominent contender. However, his campaign faces challenges and evolving voter sentiments, reflecting the constituency’s state of transition. The voting date for this pivotal election is November 20, 2024.
The legacy of Nawab Malik and the rise of Sana Malik
Nawab Malik has been synonymous with Anushakti Nagar, earning respect for his secular credentials and development-focused governance. Over the years, his leadership has fostered deep loyalty among the constituency’s diverse electorate. However, his decision to align with the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, and more recently with Shiv Sena (Shinde Sena or Shinde faction) has sparked criticism. Many traditional supporters view the alliance with skepticism, questioning the compatibility of secular principles with the BJP’s ideological stance.
Sana Malik, an architect and lawyer by training, has stepped into the electoral fray, leveraging her father’s legacy while introducing her own vision. Her campaign highlights infrastructure upgrades, public service improvements, and youth empowerment. Yet, her candidacy faces a dual challenge: proving her capability and addressing the backlash over her family’s alliance with the BJP.
The discontent among Muslim voters, a critical demographic in the constituency, is particularly significant. Many are disillusioned with the Malik family’s alliance with the BJP, complicating Sana’s efforts to consolidate support. Similarly, Dalit and Maratha communities voters remain uncertain about their allegiance, further fragmenting the voter base.
Fahad Ahmad: A new voice in Anushakti Nagar
Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate Fahad Ahmad, a youth leader from the Samajwadi Party who recently joined the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, has positioned himself as a disruptor of traditional politics. With a campaign rooted in grassroots engagement, Fahad emphasizes issues like affordable housing, accessible education, and job creation.
However, Fahad’s campaign has struggled to gain momentum. Critics argue that his focus on student activism and outreach to urban, professionals and migrated students has limited his appeal among the constituency’s core working-class electorate. His campaign lacks the aggressiveness and spontaneity required to mobilize ground-level support effectively. Furthermore, Fahad has not succeeded in securing the backing of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction workers, further weakening his chances of capturing significant vote shares.
Campaign dynamics: A tale of two strategies
Sana Malik: A legacy-driven campaign
Sana Malik’s campaign has been marked by high-visibility efforts, with extensive public rallies, community meetings, and participation in local events. Her campaign strategy heavily emphasizes her connection to Nawab Malik’s legacy, aiming to mobilize loyalists and highlight the continuity of leadership in the constituency.
A major highlight was a massive rally led by Ajit Pawar and Nawab Malik, drawing thousands of supporters. The event saw significant participation from Muslim, Dalit, and Maratha communities, demonstrating her ability to attract diverse voter bases and create a show of strength in the constituency.
At the rally, Sana Malik spoke to Maktoob Media and expressed confidence in receiving widespread support across communities. She emphasized her belief that her family’s legacy and her father’s development work would earn her the trust and votes of the electorate.
Fahad Ahmad: Attracting first time voters
Fahad Ahmad’s campaign prioritizes inclusivity and dialogue. His strategy involves workshops, community discussions, and extensive social media outreach. While this approach resonates with first-time voters and students, it has struggled to gain traction with the Anushakti Nagar’s core electorate of working-class individuals, lower-income groups, and marginalized communities.
A notable example of his campaign style is the “Know Your Candidate” town hall event, where Fahad engaged directly with attendees in an Ask Me Anything session moderated by his wife, Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker. Despite showcasing his educational background, activism, and local residency since 2016, the audience consisted largely of students and professionals from other parts of India—groups with limited voting influence in the constituency.
This student-politics-inspired campaign model, while innovative, has not translated into meaningful engagement with Fahad’s potential voter base. Grassroot-level Mahavikas Aghadi workers have argued that this campaign style is misaligned with ground realities and have informally conveyed their dissatisfaction to Maktoob. They believe such efforts fail to effectively mobilize support among the constituency’s working-class and lower-caste communities.
Challenges and controversies
Nawab Malik’s legal troubles
Nawab Malik’s 2022 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged money laundering and links to Dawood Ibrahim casts a long shadow over Sana’s campaign. While the Malik family has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, the controversy provides ammunition for opposition parties to question the family’s credibility.
The alliance with BJP
The Malik family’s alliance with the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has polarized the electorate. Muslim voters, traditionally a stronghold for the Malik family, are reluctant to support Sana due to the BJP’s contentious history with minority communities. Dalit and Shinde Sena voters, too, are hesitant, unsure of how the alliance aligns with their political aspirations.
Voter sentiment: Continuity vs. change
Anushakti Nagar’s electorate is deeply divided, reflecting the complex interplay of loyalty, ideology, and aspirations. For some, the Malik family’s legacy of development and secularism outweighs recent controversies. For others, Fahad Ahmed’s promise of grassroots-driven change offers a compelling alternative to traditional politics.
However, voter confusion remains a dominant sentiment. Sana’s association with the BJP alienates key voter groups, while Fahad’s lack of a focused, ground-level campaign limits his ability to capitalize on this discontent. The absence of strong support from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction further diminishes Fahad’s chances of consolidating anti-Malik votes.
As Anushakti Nagar heads to the polls, the stakes have never been higher. Sana Malik must navigate the twin challenges of upholding her father’s legacy and addressing the backlash over her BJP alliance. Fahad Ahmad, meanwhile, must overcome the limitations of his campaign strategy to emerge as a credible alternative.
The 2024 assembly elections in Anushakti Nagar encapsulate the evolving dynamics of Indian politics, where tradition meets transformation, and legacy battles with aspirations for change. The verdict of the electorate will not only determine the constituency’s future but also offer critical insights into the broader shifts shaping Maharashtra’s political discourse.
