Ajit Pawar's NCP Backs Gangster Andekar; Court Allows Candidature, Sparks Row

• Ajit Pawar's NCP announced candidature for Bandu Andekar, a leader with a criminal background, and his family members Laxmi Andekar and Sonali Andekar.
• The court allowed Bandu Andekar to contest elections, stating it's a fundamental right, despite his arrest in a murder case.
• Andekar's nomination papers were filed today through his lawyers at the Bhawani Peth regional office in Pune.
• Ajit Pawar's faction maintained secrecy due to Andekar's criminal past, but the move is expected to spark a new controversy.
• Komkar's mother warned Ajit Pawar against the candidature, threatening self-immolation if the Andekar family was given a ticket.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's NCP backing Bandu Andekar, a figure with a criminal past, sparks major political controversy.