Fazal Pathan/Mumbai

A few days ago, elections were announced in Maharashtra and the code of conduct came into force in the state. Now preparations for the elections are going on everywhere. Before the code of conduct, many big and important decisions were taken in Maharashtra.

One of these was the Governor appointed seven nominated members of the Legislative Council which had been hanging fire for four years.,As per the rules, the governor of Maharashtra appoints 12 members having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters such as literature, science, art, co-operative movement and social service.

In the Legislative Council, BJP has three nominated members - Chitra Wagh, Vikrant Patil and Babusingh Maharaj Rathod, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena is represented by Manisha Kayande, Hemant Patil  and Ajit Pawar's NCP hasPankaj Bhujbal and Idris Naikwadi.

Idris Naikwadi signing his papers as a Member of Legislative Council

Thus Idris Naikwadi is the only Muslim member of the Maharashtra legislaice council. It may be recalled that Maharashtra, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka are the only states to have an upper House.

Naikwadi, a former Mayor has always been associated with the Nationalist Congress Party. Seen as a strong leader, Idris Naikwadi has always been active in public life.

He has worked as a councilor in Sangli Mira and became a Mayor of Sangli,Miraj, and Kupwad City Corporation.

For the first time, no Muslim was elected to the Legislative Council. The move was seen as a brazen phenomenon in keeping Muslims out of the legislative body.

Naikwadi was sworn in as a member of the Legislative Council sending thrill across Muslim communities in the State.

The NCP faced a split just before the Lok Sabha elections with 40 MLAs going with Ajit Pawar. Analysts feel Idris Nayakwadi's omination to the Legislative Council is aimed at garnering Muslim votes in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.

After being sworn in as MLC, Idris Nayakwadi told the media, "Ajit Pawar's role is for the justice of the loyal workers. My family has been with the Nationalist Congress for 20-25 years. I am thankful to my leader for keeping my work in mind and allowing me to become a member of the Legislative Council,'

He said,” I will not beg for the unity of the minority community with the Nationalist Party in the upcoming assembly elections. I will meet the migrant workers and minority workers across Maharashtra.”