ISLAM Party Establishes Core Committee in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with Former AIMIM Members
In a significant political development, the Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (ISLAM) party has formed a core committee for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city and district. This move comes as disgruntled office-bearers and former corporators of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have joined forces with former Malegaon MLA and ISLAM party chief Asif Shaikh, following the party's electoral success in Malegaon.
Committee Formation and Membership Details
Speaking to reporters ahead of an Iftar gathering in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Asif Shaikh announced the induction of key former AIMIM figures who are reportedly upset over the denial of party tickets in previous municipal corporation elections. The newly formed core committee will oversee organizational work until a city president and a full-fledged body are appointed.
The committee members include prominent names such as Rafat Yar Khan, Syed Arif Hussaini, Kaleem Qureshi, Abul Hasan Hashmi, Salim Patel, Ghazi Saaduddin, Shaikh Zafar, Jamil Khan, Sheikh Owais, and Abu Lala Hashmi. This diverse group brings experience and local influence to the ISLAM party's structure in the region.
Party Expansion and Secular Credentials
Shaikh revealed that the party plans to convene a state-level meeting in Mumbai after Eid to finalize its Maharashtra expansion roadmap. Emphasizing ISLAM's secular nature, he highlighted that the party has 35 elected corporators in Malegaon, including three Hindus, two from the Maratha community, and one from the Dalit community. He further noted that ISLAM is officially recognized by both the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commission, lending legitimacy to its political operations.
Criticism of Civic Administration and Water Crisis
Targeting the civic administration, Shaikh flagged the severe drinking water crisis in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He alleged serious lapses and possible corruption, stating, "Despite funds from state and central governments and the municipal corporation, residents receive water once in four, eight, or even ten days." The party plans to gather information on pending water schemes and launch a major agitation in the city to address this critical issue.
Citizen Assistance and Political Strategy
In addition to addressing infrastructure problems, the local unit will set up helpline centers to assist citizens with documentation for the Special Institutional Registration or Survey (SIR), scheduled to begin in Maharashtra from April 1. Shaikh mentioned that in Malegaon, the party has already started helping people access the 2002 voter list, showcasing its proactive approach to public service.
Political Attacks and Future Vision
Launching a political attack, Shaikh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of polarizing voters and reiterated his criticism of AIMIM for, as he put it, exploiting Muslim youth in the name of religion. He positioned ISLAM as a secular alternative focused on youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and women's issues, aiming to provide a new political direction in Maharashtra.
This development marks a notable shift in the political landscape of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with ISLAM leveraging local discontent to build its presence and challenge established parties through a platform centered on secularism and grassroots issues.
