There was intense political competition in the election for the mayoral post of Parbhani Municipal Corporation. Syed Iqbal of the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction won the mayoral post by securing 39 votes. BJP's Tirumala Khillare also received 39 votes. However, after the process, Syed Iqbal's election as mayor was confirmed. Congress's Ganesh Deshmukh was elected as deputy mayor. This election has heated up politics in the state. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized that the 'true face' of the Thackeray faction was revealed in Parbhani. He indirectly targeted the issue of a Muslim mayor. The Thackeray faction gave a strong response to Shinde's statement.
Shiv Sena Thackeray faction MP Sanjay Raut criticized Shinde in a press conference. “Tell that Eknath Shinde to study a bit. In Parbhani, 12 BJP corporators are Muslims, do they know that?” he questioned. “In this country and in Maharashtra, there are Marathi-speaking Muslims. They are not infiltrators. Our taluka chiefs, office bearers have been working for years. Will you keep them away because they are Muslims?” Raut also raised this question. “Compared to traitors like you, that loyal Muslim is preferable,” Raut emphasized the loyalty of Shiv Sainiks. He clarified that the new mayor of Parbhani, Syed Iqbal, is an old party worker and has worked for the party for many years.
This time, Raut cited examples of Muslim individuals having served in the highest positions in the country, mentioning Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. “The BJP has also given tickets to Muslim candidates in various places. So why object when a Muslim becomes mayor?” he questioned. Meanwhile, due to this result in Parbhani, the political atmosphere has been stirred not only in local politics but also at the state level. It is anticipated that in the coming days, there may be more accusations and counter-accusations on this issue.