The race for Malegaon mayor and deputy mayor intensifies as multiple corporators file nominations, with elections scheduled for February 7 following a closely fought civic poll
Three newly elected corporators have so far filed their nominations for the mayor’s post. Representational Pic/X
Weeks after the conclusion of Maharashtra local body elections, the contest for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor at Malegaon Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra’s Nashik district has intensified.
The Malegaon mayor election is scheduled for February 7 with the ISLAM-SP alliance nearing majority.
Three newly elected corporators have so far filed their nominations for the mayor’s post and five have been listed in contest for the deputy mayor’s position, reported the PTI.
In the civic elections held on January 15, the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM) emerged as the single largest party, securing 35 seats in the 84-member civic body. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) followed with 21 seats, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 18 seats. The Samajwadi Party (SP) secured five seats, the Congress three, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two seats.
As per PTI, the magic figure required to prove a majority is 43.
The ISLAM party and the SP have come together to form the Malegaon Secular Front, securing a combined strength of 40 seats. The alliance now needs the support of only three more corporators to reach the majority mark.
For the mayor’s post, Sheikh Nasrin Bano Mohammed Khalid and Sheikh Tahera Sheikh Rasheed, both from the ISLAM party, and Lata Ghodke of the Shiv Sena have filed nominations.
For the deputy mayor’s post, Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed and Mohammed Mustkim Mohammed Mustafa (both from the SP), Hafiz Abdullah Mufti Mohammed Ismail (AIMIM), and Narendra Sonawane and Nilesh Kakde (both from the Shiv Sena) are in the fray, reported PTI.
A special meeting has been convened on February 7 to elect the mayor and deputy mayor. Nashik Collector Ayush Prasad will preside over the meeting.
Congress begins campaign in ZP polls in Raigad
Ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections 2026, Congress on Tuesday began its campaign in Maharashtra's Raigad district, calling for victory in the upcoming local polls.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal hit the campaign trail across Raigad district, warning that industrialists were encroaching on the rights of the “sons of the soil” and urging voters to support Congress MVA candidates in the Zilla Parishad polls.
Speaking at rallies in Jasai, Chirner, Satirje, and Chondhi, Sapkal said the enthusiasm among party workers showed victory was within reach.
“The Zilla Parishad election is about safeguarding local rights and traditions. Congress MVA is set to perform strongly in Raigad, and power will be in our hands,” he said.
Sapkal cited public leader D. B. Patil’s historical fight for local communities and said the region now faced fresh challenges from “capitalist interests.” He appealed to voters to unite and ensure a Congress MVA win to block these forces.
On the issue of the Navi Mumbai airport, Sapkal reiterated Congress’s long-standing demand to name it after D. B. Patil. “Devendra Fadnavis is avoiding this. The airport currently shows the NM (Navi Mumbai) name, but any attempt to rename it after Narendra Modi will not be accepted,” he said.
Raigad District Congress Committee President Mahendra Gharat, Rajabhau Thakur, and other senior party leaders accompanied Sapkal during the campaign.
(With PTI inputs)
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