We will not join the government if the BJP raises disputed issues, says Malik | from NCP India News – Times of India

MUMBAI: NCP candidate out Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Nawab Maliksaid on Tuesday that the anti-conversion law mooted in the BJP manifesto for Maharashtra is only being used to mislead people and that his party will not join a government with the saffron party “if it does politics on divisive and controversial issues”. Malik also did not rule out that the NCP would join hands with the opposition MVA in case of a suspended installation.
Although NCP is part of it MahayutiBJP, the seniormost partner in the government alliance, is backing Shinde Sena’s Suresh Patil in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.
Malik emphasized that if Mahayuti gets a majority, the government will not be formed on the basis of BJP policies alone, but on a common minimum programme. In an interview, Malik told TOI, “BJP will have to leave out some issues.”
When asked about UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Batenge toh Katenge’ appeal, which is seen as anti-Muslim, Malik said: “I condemn this slogan. Religion based on politics is short-lived.” On the BJP’s promise to introduce an anti-conversion law, Malik said: “The right to religion is a fundamental right and conversion cannot be stopped. BJP plays with words to mislead people.”
Malik said NCP chief Ajit Pawar will get enough seats to become a kingmaker and dictate the terms. “It is possible that a situation will arise like in 1999, where neither party has an absolute majority.”
When asked if NCP could support MVA in a post-poll scenario, he said, “Anything is possible. Anyone can go with anyone.”