In the recent elections across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai's BMC, the BJP alliance swept the opposition aside. Yet, in Muslim-majority areas, Asaduddin Owaisi disrupted the plans of both Congress and NCP as AIMIM soared politically.
AIMIM's influence is evident with the party leading or winning in 75 out of the total 2,869 seats across Maharashtra's municipalities. Even though Owaisi's party secured just three seats in Mumbai's BMC, its success in securing 24 seats in the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation has marked a substantial presence, particularly emerging as a kingmaker in Malegaon, a significant Muslim-centered region.
The Muslim population in Maharashtra stands at approximately 12%, with Mumbai accounting for over 20% Muslim voters, making them quite influential in Mumbai's political landscape. Although AIMIM won only three seats in Mumbai, their candidates significantly disrupted the prospects of Congress and NCP in several contests.
Owaisi's Influence Takes Flight in Muslim Regions
In Mumbai's diverse Muslim neighborhoods, Asaduddin Owaisi fielded his candidates effectively, securing victories in three wards. AIMIM candidates clinched victories, with Irshad Khan winning Ward 135, Mahjabeen Atiq Ahmed in Ward 134, and Khairunisa Hussein in Ward 145. These wins positioned AIMIM as a notable force in the city.
The Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) Municipal Corporation saw AIMIM achieve remarkable success. Out of 115 councilor seats, Owaisi's party won or led in 24, showcasing a significant political rise there. This region had already experienced AIMIM's influence through its former MP, Imtiaz Jaleel, whose impact contributed to victories in civic body elections.
AIMIM Solidifies Power in Malegaon
Malegaon, another traditional bastion for AIMIM, saw the party leading on 20 ward seats. This success highlights Owaisi's strong political grip in Malegaon, with their victory in the 2024 assembly election adding to their credentials.
Within Malegaon's 84 municipal seats, AIMIM has the upper hand with leads on 20 seats, whereas BJP managed only two seats. Shinde's Shiv Sena earned 18 and Congress just three. Other factions account for 41 seats, with Samajwadi Party leading in six. This distribution indicates that without AIMIM, formation of a new mayor in Malegaon proves challenging.
AIMIM Surprises in Nanded
In Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation, AIMIM is either leading or has won 14 seats, establishing a strong foothold. Meanwhile, in Dhule, the party leads in eight seats and has also made strides in Amravati with six seats. Chandrapur, witnessing its first representative win from AIMIM, points towards the party's expanding urban recognition.
Small yet symbolic victories were achieved from Jalna's municipal contest with two seats clinched, and one in Parbhani. Overall, out of 2,869 seats, securing 75 demonstrates AIMIM's strategic growth beyond its strongholds, converting grassroots campaigns into urban election victories.
