Multiple parties back Muslim candidates in recent council and nagar panchayat elections; Congress wins six posts
MUMBAI — In the recently concluded Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections in Maharashtra, Muslim representation has seen a notable rise, with 11 candidates from the community elected as Municipal Council chairpersons across the state. The results show that, except for the BJP and NCP (Sharad Pawar), almost every major political party has supported and elected Muslim leaders to top municipal posts.
A total of 246 municipal councillors were elected in these polls, including several Muslim councillors from different parties. Out of them, 11 have now taken charge as chairpersons. Congress emerged as the leading party, with six Muslim candidates winning the chairman’s post. Two chairpersons belong to the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, while one each comes from AIMIM, NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
Importantly, nearly half of the elected Muslim chairpersons are women, a development many see as a positive sign for both minority representation and women’s participation in local governance.
One of the key victories came from Rajapur Municipal Council in the Konkan region, where Congress leader Hasan Bano Khalfa won the chairperson’s post. A former Member of the Legislative Council, Hasan Bano had earlier planned to contest the Vidhan Parishad elections but withdrew her nomination. Her return through municipal politics has been widely discussed. After her win, she said, “This victory belongs to the people of Rajapur. I will work for all sections without bias.”
Another closely watched contest was in Salur Municipal Council in Aurangabad district, where Sameer Abdul Sattar, son of MLA Abdul Sattar, became chairman. Abdul Sattar, a leader of Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, was earlier a minister but was not included in the Cabinet after the 2024 elections. The municipal poll was seen as a test of his local influence. His group won 25 of the 28 seats. Sameer Abdul Sattar said, “The people have shown trust in our work, and we will focus on development and basic services.”
A major political shift was seen in Karanja, where AIMIM candidate Yusuf Ponjuani won the chairperson’s post. AIMIM secured 17 councillor seats, ending years of BJP control in the municipal council. Calling it a historic moment, Ponjuani said, “This win shows that people want change and fair representation.”
Congress also recorded a significant victory in Balapur Municipal Council in Akola district, where Dr Afreen defeated the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. This result is seen as important because the Khatib family had controlled the Balapur council for nearly 65 years. Dr Afreen said, “People voted for progress and clean administration. I respect their decision and will serve honestly.”
In Buldana district, Congress continued its strong performance. Atiq Zariwale won the chairperson’s post in Malkapur Municipal Council, while Sheikh Farheen Begum was elected chairman in the Kannada Municipal Council. Zariwale said, “This mandate is a responsibility. We will work for roads, water, and jobs.” Sheikh Farheen Begum stated, “Women and minorities are ready to lead. This win gives me strength.”
Congress also found success in Khuldabad taluka of Aurangabad district, where young leader Aamir Patel won despite AIMIM’s influence in the region and Shiv Sena’s hold over Hindu voters. His victory has been described by party workers as a major relief for Congress. Patel said, “I thank voters for trusting a young voice.”
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi secured two Muslim chairpersons, both from Vidarbha. Sheikh Imran won in Murtizapur in Buldana district, while Akhtra Khatun was elected from Barshi Takli in Akola district. Akola is the home district of VBA president Prakash Ambedkar, where the party has a strong base. Akhtra Khatun said, “This is a win for women and for those who were ignored for years.”
From Latur district, Praveen Nawabuddin of Ajit Pawar’s NCP, which is part of the Mahayuti alliance, won the chairperson’s post in Osa taluka. He said, “Local issues will be my first priority.”
Political observers note that the results show growing acceptance of Muslim leadership in local bodies, especially outside the BJP and NCP (Sharad). The presence of five Muslim women chairpersons is also being seen as a strong message in favour of inclusion.
Many Muslim councillors have also won across the state from different parties, suggesting that minority voters and party workers are playing a larger role in municipal politics. As one senior Congress leader said, “These results prove that people vote for work and trust, not hate.”
