Nashik: AIMIM-Shiv Sena Alliance Speculations Intensify Ahead of Malegaon Mayoral Election
Speculations about a potential alliance between the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Shiv Sena have gained significant traction in Nashik's Malegaon. This development comes after Malegaon MLA Mohammad Khalique held a meeting with Maharashtra Education Minister Dada Bhuse, just ahead of the crucial mayoral election scheduled for Saturday.
AIMIM's Abstention Decision and Its Impact
AIMIM has made it unequivocally clear that it will abstain from the voting process for the mayoral and deputy mayor positions. This strategic decision could directly benefit the ISLAM party in the electoral contest. Abdul Malik, the AIMIM Malegaon city unit president, firmly dismissed any speculation of a tie-up with Shiv Sena, stating, "The party leadership has clearly stated that AIMIM will abstain from the elections."
With AIMIM's 21 corporators choosing to stay away, the effective strength of the 84-member House is reduced to 63. Consequently, the majority requirement drops from 43 to 33 seats, altering the political arithmetic significantly.
Electoral Dynamics and Candidate Lineup
In Malegaon, the ISLAM party currently holds 35 corporators, while the Samajwadi Party has five members. Together, they can reach the original majority mark of 43 with the support of three Congress corporators. An ISLAM party functionary revealed, "Since AIMIM is the second-largest party, ISLAM, led by former MLA Asif Shaikh, sought unconditional support. But AIMIM office bearers said this was not possible and decided to abstain. This abstention effectively clears the way for the ISLAM-SP alliance, which now has a strength of 40."
Shiv Sena, which holds 18 seats in the House, has also fielded candidates for both the mayor and deputy mayor posts, indicating its active participation in the race.
For the mayor's post, nominations have been filed by Sheikh Nasrin Bano Mohammed Khalid and Sheikh Tahera Sheikh Rasheed from the ISLAM party, and Lata Ghodke from Shiv Sena.
For the deputy mayor position, candidates include:
- Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed and Mohammed Mustkim Mohammed Mustafa (both from Samajwadi Party)
- Hafiz Abdullah Mufti Mohammed Ismail (from AIMIM)
- Narendra Sonawane and Nilesh Kakde (both from Shiv Sena)
Uncertainty Surrounding BJP and Shiv Sena's Claims
The role of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its two members, remains uncertain in this electoral scenario. Earlier, the BJP attempted to play kingmaker by forming a rare alliance with Congress, but this move was rejected by the party's leadership. This rejection prompted the BJP to withdraw its registered group, ‘Bharat Vikas Aghadi’.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena functionaries have claimed that corporators from both the ISLAM party and even AIMIM have been in touch with them and might extend support. This claim is cited as the reason why Shiv Sena decided to field candidates for both key posts, suggesting possible behind-the-scenes negotiations.
As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Malegaon remains fluid, with alliances, abstentions, and strategic moves shaping the outcome of this significant local poll.
