BJP and NCP trade allegations on Riyaz Bhati

A full-fledged political war has broken out between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following allegations that the ruling party inducted alleged Dawood aide Riyaz Bhati into its fold. However, the BJP has refuted the allegations linking the party to Bhati.

NCP spokesman Nawab Malik had said the BJP had appointed Bhati as an executive committee member of its Mumbai unit, despite the man allegedly having several serious criminal offences to his name. He has also been given police protection, Mr Malik had said. The NCP leader further alleged Bhati had bullied members of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to get city BJP chief Ashish Shelar its vice-president post.

Following this, Mr Shelar on Friday made a series of comments on social media accusing Mr Malik of defaming him. “I am going to file a case of defamation against Mr Malik. I have also asked the police commissioner for a probe in the Riyaz Bhati case. He has nothing to do with the party. He was not even in the old BJP executive committee. Mr Malik’s allegations are absolutely false.”

“...We are sure of success in the municipal elections. Hence Mr Malik is making such false allegations. The CM will wipe out the Dawood gang and I will destroy those who are making baseless allegations.”

Responding to Mr Shelar’s warning, Mr Malik said the BJP was free to file a complaint against him. “I welcome them. There is nothing wrong in the allegations I have made. Let the truth come out,” he said.