In a controversial move ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena has sought to file nomination documents on behalf of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Sunil Shukla, leader of the political party, addressed a formal letter to the returning officer of the Bandra West Assembly constituency, requesting the “AB” form, a necessary document for any candidate’s nomination. The Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Sena, which is registered with the Election Commission of India, has put forward Lawrence Bishnoi as their candidate for the Bandra West constituency.
According to the letter submitted by Shukla, the party intends to secure Lawrence Bishnoi’s signature on the nomination form and finalize an affidavit, a requirement for confirming his candidacy. This development follows the party’s earlier offer to Lawrence Bishnoi to contest in the upcoming state polls. The party also indicated that once Lawrence Bishnoi approves the nomination, they will release a list of 50 additional candidates.
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Central Jail, has drawn significant public attention for his alleged involvement in high-profile criminal activities, including the murder of Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Baba Siddiqui and threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan. These incidents have fueled public intrigue around his candidacy, making this nomination a topic of widespread debate.
The Bandra West Assembly constituency, where Lawrence Bishnoi is being fielded, holds particular political significance. The area is historically associated with Baba Siddiqui, a prominent political figure who previously served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the same constituency. Siddiqui’s influence in the region, combined with Lawrence Bishnoi’s controversial background, has added layers of complexity to the upcoming election.
Shukla had earlier visited Khar police station before proceeding to the returning officer’s office to officially seek the AB form under the name of Lawrence Bishnoi, who is also known as Balkaran Barad in criminal circles.
Maharashtra will hold its elections in a single phase on November 20, with the vote counting scheduled for November 23. The political landscape in the state is expected to be fiercely contested. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, will face off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction.
The prospect of a notorious figure like Lawrence Bishnoi entering the electoral race has injected additional drama into an already heated political battle in the state.
