BJP and Congress Corporators Forge Unexpected Alliance in Malegaon
In a remarkable development that underscores the fluid nature of municipal politics, ideological rivals Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have joined forces in Malegaon ahead of crucial mayoral elections. According to sources quoted by news agency PTI, three Congress corporators and two from the BJP have established an independent coalition named the 'Bharat Vikas Aghadi'. This strategic move has the potential to significantly alter the power equations within the 84-member Malegaon Municipal Corporation, where no single political entity currently commands a clear majority.
Political Landscape and Electoral Arithmetic
While the results of the Malegaon civic polls have been officially declared, the election for the positions of mayor and deputy mayor remains pending. This has triggered intense political maneuvering across party lines as various factions jockey for influence. The newly formed front will be spearheaded by Congress councillor Ejaz Beg, marking a notable departure from traditional political alignments.
The electoral composition of the municipal corporation reveals a fragmented house:
- ISLAM Party (Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra): 35 seats
- All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM): 21 seats
- Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena: 18 seats
- Samajwadi Party: 5 seats
- Congress: 3 seats
- BJP: 2 seats
Despite emerging as the single-largest party, the ISLAM Party—founded by former Congress MLA Shahikh Asif—requires support from other groups to secure the mayor's post. The position has been reserved for a woman from the general category, adding another layer of complexity to the political calculations.
Speculation and Strategic Alliances
Political circles are rife with speculation that ISLAM Party chief and former MLA Asif Shaikh will ultimately decide the party's nominee, with his sister-in-law Nasreen Shaikh considered a strong contender. According to municipal rules, a special meeting must be convened within eight to twelve days of the reservation notification to elect the mayor and deputy mayor.
The formation of the Congress-BJP combine has fueled conjecture that the ISLAM Party might receive indirect backing during the critical vote, particularly for the deputy mayor's position. This development follows recent instances where local BJP units allied with traditional rivals—Congress in Ambernath and AIMIM in Akot municipal councils—prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to clarify that such arrangements were not sanctioned by the BJP leadership and violated party discipline.
AIMIM's Stance and Broader Implications
AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel has asserted that his party will not align with the BJP or Shiv Sena under any circumstances in Malegaon. He revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had sought AIMIM's support in several municipal corporations, including Malegaon, but the party conveyed its refusal at the local level. The AIMIM has secured 125 seats across 13 of Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporations, including 21 in Malegaon.
This unprecedented collaboration between the BJP and Congress in Malegaon highlights the pragmatic alliances often forged in municipal governance, where local considerations can temporarily override national political rivalries. As the deadline for the mayoral election approaches, all eyes remain on the evolving dynamics within the Malegaon Municipal Corporation.
