shot-button
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Shiv Sena factions clash over Muslim mayor in Parbhani

Shiv Sena factions clash over Muslim mayor in Parbhani

Updated on: 14 February,2026 07:25 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Sanjeev Shivadekar | sanjeev.shivadekar@mid-day.com

A fresh political confrontation has erupted between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena after Iqbal Syed was elected mayor of Parbhani Municipal Corporation. Shinde criticised UBT for backing a Muslim candidate, while UBT accused him of double standards

Shiv Sena factions clash over Muslim mayor in Parbhani

Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde attacked Sena (UBT) for backing a Muslim mayor in Parbhani. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Listen to this article
Shiv Sena factions clash over Muslim mayor in Parbhani
x
00:00

Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena are locked in a fresh political confrontation over the Parbhani mayor’s post, triggered by criticism of UBT for backing a Muslim candidate.

On Thursday, Iqbal Syed of Shiv Sena (UBT) was elected mayor of the Parbhani Municipal Corporation. Soon after, Shinde attacked UBT, saying its “real face” had been exposed by supporting a Muslim mayor.


Hitting back, Shiv Sena (UBT) accused Shinde of double standards, pointing out that he had appointed Abdul Sattar, a Muslim leader from Marathwada, as a minister in his government. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, also noted that 12 BJP corporators in Parbhani belong to the Muslim community. 



Raut further said the newly elected mayor has been associated with the party for years, adding that “it is better to have a loyal Muslim sainik than a traitor,” in a veiled reference to Shinde. The controversy recalls the BJP-Shinde camp’s pre-civic poll campaign, which targeted UBT over its ties with the Congress and claimed that it would accept a Muslim mayor in the BMC.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde uddhav thackeray marathwada mumbai news mumbai

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK