The political landscape of Balapur in Maharashtra's Akola district has been reshaped in a historic election. The decades-long stronghold of a single family has been broken by a young medical professional, marking a significant shift in local governance.
A Historic Victory for Youth and Change
In a result that has sent ripples through the region's political circles, Congress candidate Dr. Afrin Parveen Mohammad Jamir emerged victorious in the election for the president of the Balapur Municipal Council. The 30-year-old Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) doctor has now etched her name in history as the youngest-ever president of the council, which was established back in 1934.
More importantly, her win signifies the end of an era. Dr. Afrin Parveen's triumph has conclusively ended the 65-year-long dominance of the influential Khatib family over the council's top post. Her nearest rival was the former president, Razia Begum Khatib, who was backed by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA).
The Numbers Behind the Political Upset
The electoral battle was decisively won by Dr. Afrin Parveen, who secured a strong mandate from the people. The vote count revealed a clear margin of victory. She polled 12,744 votes, defeating Razia Begum Khatib, who received 10,817 votes. This translates to a winning margin of 1,927 votes.
The councilor seat results further cemented the Congress's position in the council. Out of the total 25 seats, the Congress party won a clear majority of 13 seats. Its ally, the Shiv Sena (UBT), secured four seats. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) managed to win six seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could only win a single seat, while one seat went to an independent candidate.
This collective performance provided the necessary foundation for Dr. Afrin Parveen's presidential victory. The campaign also saw active mobilization of public support by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Nitin Deshmukh and Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan.
Ending a Multi-Generational Political Legacy
The scale of Dr. Afrin Parveen's achievement is underscored by the legacy she has overcome. For 65 years, the president's post in Balapur was virtually synonymous with the Khatib family. Four generations of the family have held the position.
This lineage included former MLA Natikoddin Khatib, his father and grandfather before him, his wife Razia Begum (the defeated candidate), and their son Ainoddin Khatib. This long-standing control makes the electoral outcome a truly landmark event in the town's political history.
Vision for Balapur: Education and Infrastructure
Speaking after her momentous victory, the newly elected president outlined her key priorities for Balapur's development. Dr. Afrin Parveen stated that her focus would be on improving basic civic amenities and infrastructure.
"My priorities will be roads, sanitation, greenery, and public amenities," she said. However, she placed special emphasis on a transformative goal for the town's youth. "Most importantly, I aim to establish quality schools and colleges in Balapur, so that students, especially girls, do not have to leave the town for higher education," she affirmed.
This vision for retaining local talent, particularly young women, by providing educational opportunities locally, has resonated with many residents.
A Political Heritage and a New Chapter
Dr. Afrin Parveen is no stranger to public service, having been born into a family with its own political background. She is the daughter of Mohammad Jamir, popularly known as Jammu Seth, who has served as a councilor since 1991 and was the chairperson of the council from 2013 to 2016. Her victory, therefore, represents both a continuation of a service-oriented legacy and a bold break from the old political order of Balapur.
The election of Dr. Afrin Parveen symbolizes a powerful demand for change and a new direction in Balapur. It demonstrates the electorate's willingness to place its trust in a young, educated leader with a clear agenda for development, setting the stage for a new chapter in the town's governance.
