Three Congress corporators and two from the BJP have formed an independent bloc named Bharat Vikas Aghadi, positioning themselves as potential kingmakers in the 84-member corporation where no party commands a clear majority
Representational Image
In an unusual political development, corporators from long-time rivals Congress and the BJP have come together in Malegaon Municipal Corporation ahead of the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the civic body, sources told PTI.
Three Congress corporators and two from the BJP have formed an independent bloc named Bharat Vikas Aghadi, positioning themselves as potential kingmakers in the 84-member corporation where no party commands a clear majority. According to sources, Congress councillor Ejaz Beg will head the newly formed group, reported PTI.
Mayor, deputy mayor yet to be elected; behind-the-scenes talks intensify
While results of the Malegaon municipal elections are already out, the mayor and deputy mayor are yet to be elected, keeping political negotiations in full swing. With the ruling combination still uncertain, behind-the-scenes discussions and cross-party talks have intensified.
Despite sharp ideological differences at the state and national levels, Congress and BJP leaders at the civic level have chosen to collaborate, setting aside rivalry to act collectively in the corporation, sources added.
Islam Party largest but short of majority, needs allies for mayor’s post
The Islam Party has emerged as the single largest party with 35 seats, followed by the AIMIM with 21, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 18, the Samajwadi Party with five, Congress with three seats and the BJP with two. However, the Islam Party will need backing from other groups to secure the mayor’s post.
Mayor’s post reserved for woman; Nasreen Shaikh frontrunner
Adding to the political suspense, the mayor’s position has been reserved for a woman from the general category. Political circles suggest that Islam Party chief and former MLA Asif Shaikh is expected to take the final decision on the party’s candidate, with his sister-in-law Nasreen Shaikh considered a frontrunner.
As per civic rules, a special meeting of the corporation must be convened within eight to twelve days of the reservation announcement to elect the mayor and deputy mayor.
AIMIM rules out alliance; BJP’s past local tie-ups spark controversy
The emergence of the Congress-BJP bloc has also triggered speculation that the Islam Party could receive indirect support during the voting process, particularly in the election of the deputy mayor.
Meanwhile, the AIMIM has secured 125 seats across 13 of Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, including 21 in Malegaon. AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had sought his party’s support in several civic bodies, including Malegaon, reported PTI.
Jaleel said AIMIM had clearly conveyed at the local level that it would not align with either the BJP or Shiv Sena, and asserted that the party would not support Shinde’s faction in Malegaon under any circumstances, reported PTI.
Notably, following the declaration of civic poll results last month, BJP’s local units forged surprise alliances with Congress and AIMIM in Ambernath and Akot municipal councils, respectively. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later said such tie-ups were unauthorised and violated party discipline.
(With inputs from PTI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
