Mumbai: The Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra party, known as ISLAM, has emerged as the single largest party in the Malegaon Municipal Corporation, placing it in a position to lead the civic body. The party is expected to stake claim for the mayor’s post, while alliance partner Samajwadi Party seeks the deputy mayor’s position.
The ISLAM SP combine holds 40 seats, three short of the majority mark of 43. Talks are underway with the All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen and the Congress to secure support. Party leaders said discussions have reached an advanced stage.
Malegaon has witnessed frequent political shifts since gaining municipal corporation status in 2002. In its first civic election, Janata Dal Secular emerged as the largest party under Nihal Ahmed, who later became mayor with backing from several parties. Subsequent elections saw new formations and alliances alter the balance of power.
In later years, Teesra Mahaz under Mufti Mohammad Ismail rose to prominence and led the civic body with Congress support. The Congress later dominated two consecutive elections in 2012 and 2017. Control of the corporation remained with the Congress and partly with the NCP until 2022.
Political equations changed after former Congress leader Asif Shaikh launched the ISLAM party. Shaikh said voters responded strongly to a development focused agenda. He criticised Mufti Ismail’s record and said public dissatisfaction led to the present outcome.
In the latest polls, ISLAM won 35 seats and the Samajwadi Party secured five. AIMIM won 21 seats, Shiv Sena 18, Congress three, and BJP two. AIMIM leader Mufti Ismail said the party leadership has allowed a local decision on extending external support.
Malegaon, where Muslims form around 78 percent of the population, continues to reflect dynamic civic politics shaped by alliances and leadership shifts.
