Shiv Sena (UBT) Makes Historic Move with First Muslim Mayor in Parbhani
In a significant political development, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has appointed Syed Iqbal Syed Khwaja as the mayor of Parbhani, marking the first time a Muslim leader has held this position in the town's history. Party functionaries from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction have emphasized that this decision reflects their recognition of the crucial role Muslims have played in bolstering the party's presence in Marathwada.
Political Landscape and Historical Context
The 65-member municipal house in Parbhani currently comprises 25 corporators from Shiv Sena (UBT), 12 from Congress, 12 from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), 12 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 3 from Janswaraj Paksha, 1 from Ratnakar Yashwant Sena, and 1 independent. Historically part of the Nizam state, Parbhani emerged as a stronghold for the undivided Shiv Sena starting in 2014, when its candidate Sanjay Jadhav won the parliamentary seat with substantial Muslim backing.
This influence was further solidified when Dr. Rahul Patil became the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Parbhani town, maintaining the party's appeal among Muslim voters. The appointment of Khwaja as mayor is seen as a strategic reward for this enduring loyalty.
Voices from the Ground
In his remarks, Syed Iqbal Syed Khwaja expressed gratitude, stating, "Uddhav Thackerayji has rewarded our loyalty to him. There were attempts to divide us, but we got the lead and I was elected mayor." He highlighted the challenges faced and the unity that led to his election.
Credit for the party's strong performance in Parbhani is also attributed to Khwaja's elder brother, Syed Qadar Khwaja, an education activist. Local Urdu journalist Syed Yousuf noted, "Syed Qadar Khwaja has been at the forefront of many campaigns and worked hard to secure so many seats for Shiv Sena (UBT)."
Broader Implications and Reactions
The election of Khwaja has invigorated Muslims within the Shiv Sena (UBT), serving as a morale booster. Sajid Supariwala, the party's designated "Muslim voice," commented, "This demonstrates Uddhav Thackeray sahab's sense of justice. He acknowledged the contribution of Muslims in strengthening his party in Parbhani and rewarded this. This will help the party expand its footprint among Muslims."
Supariwala further pointed to the party's growing appeal in Mumbai, where three Muslim corporators—Sakina Ayub Shaikh, Zeeshan Changez Multani, and Saba Haroon Shaikh—have already proven its increasing community support, "no matter how much the BJP mocks us."
However, the move has drawn criticism from BJP leaders. One reportedly mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) by suggesting it should now be called "Janab Sena," while another remarked that Uddhav Thackeray had made a "Khan (read Muslim) a mayor in Parbhani, something he could not achieve in Mumbai."
Separate Report on Rera Compliance Issues
In unrelated news, the Forum For People's Collective Efforts (FPCE), a homebuyers' body, revealed on Friday that over 75% of state real estate regulators (Reras) have failed to publish annual reports as required by law. According to their status report as of February 13, covering 21 Reras, this non-compliance persists despite statutory obligations and directives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
These annual reports are critical as they provide detailed data on Rera performance, including project completion status—categorized by timely completion, extensions, and incomplete projects—as well as execution details for refunds, possessions, compensation orders, and recovery warrants against defaulting builders.
Abhay Upadhyay, president of FPCE and a member of the government's Central Advisory Council on Rera, stressed, "Unless we have credible data proving that after Rera the real estate sector has improved in terms of delivery, fairness, and keeping its promises, we are merely firing in the air."
The FPCE highlighted that seven states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa—have never published a single annual report since Rera's implementation. Additionally, nine states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana, which initially published reports, have discontinued the practice. The organization emphasized that this data is vital not only for homebuyers but also for effective policy formulation in the real estate sector.
