Secret Meeting Between Shiv Sena and AIMIM Signals Possible Alliance for Deputy Mayor Post in Malegaon

Malegaon, Maharashtra: In a surprising political development ahead of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation elections, hints of a potential alliance have emerged between the Hindutva-oriented Shiv Sena and the Muslim-centric All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts. Senior leaders from both parties reportedly held a secret meeting, sparking speculation of possible political maneuvering in the city.

High-Level Talks Over Strategy
With the elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor scheduled for Saturday, February 7, political activity in Malegaon has intensified. AIMIM MLA Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail and former Mayor Abdul Malik met with Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Education Minister Dada Bhuse. The meeting is believed to have focused on election strategy, though both parties have remained tight-lipped. Observers suggest that the two ideologically different parties may join forces for the upcoming elections.

Secret Hotel Meeting
While AIMIM has withdrawn its candidate for the Mayor post, the party has fielded Hafiz Abdullah, son of the MLA, for Deputy Mayor. A secret meeting of AIMIM corporators was held on Thursday at a hotel along the Mumbai-Agra highway in Patna Shivara to discuss whether to support Shiv Sena’s Mayor candidate, Lata Ghodke. Local Shiv Sena office-bearers are reportedly in touch with AIMIM corporators and Maulana Mufti, indicating behind-the-scenes coordination.

Tight Race Expected
The election is expected to be fiercely contested. The Malegaon Secular Front has fielded Nasreen Sheikh and Tahera Sheikh for Mayor and Shan-e-Hind for Deputy Mayor. AIMIM is contesting only for the Deputy Mayor post with Hafiz Abdullah, while Shiv Sena has nominated Lata Ghodke for Mayor and Nilesh Kakde and Narendra Sonawane for Deputy Mayor.

Election Campaign Concludes
In the run-up to the elections, the political atmosphere was heated due to campaign and corner meetings, coinciding with recent Zilla Parishad and Panchayat elections. Campaigning officially ended on Thursday evening, and polling will take place on Saturday. Authorities have put all systems on high alert to ensure that the election proceeds peacefully and without disruption.