AIMIM Breaks New Ground in Maharashtra Civic Polls
In the 2026 Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) achieved a notable milestone by fielding and winning seats with six Hindu and Buddhist candidates across key urban centres in the state. The results mark a significant expansion of the party’s outreach beyond its core support base, reflecting broader voter acceptance and cross-community appeal. AIMIM secured more than 120 seats across multiple municipal corporations, placing itself among the influential players in Maharashtra’s urban political landscape.
Historic Wins by Non-Muslim Candidates
At least three of the six Hindu and Buddhist winners on AIMIM tickets were elected in Aurangabad (also referred to as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), two in Nagpur, and one in Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In Aurangabad, candidates such as Kakasaheb Kakde won in Ward No. 9 (reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates), while Ashok Ranganath Hiwrale and Vijayshree Jadhav also secured victories under the party banner. Their wins underscore AIMIM’s broader mobilisation strategy and organisational strength at the grassroots level in urban Maharashtra.
In Nagpur, Pawan Koye won from a ward reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates, and Varsha Dongre also emerged victorious, adding to AIMIM’s growing presence in the 151-member Nagpur Municipal Corporation. These wins demonstrate that the party’s reach was not confined to traditionally expected constituencies, but also extended into areas where diverse voter groups made independent choices.
The lone non-Muslim victor in Mumbai was Vijay Ubale, who secured a seat from Ward No. 140 (Deonar-Govandi area) in the BMC. A mathematics teacher by profession, Ubale is seen as a representative of grassroots leadership with strong local support in a ward marked by diverse demographic representation.
AIMIM’s Broader Electoral Performance
Overall, AIMIM’s performance in the civic elections was impressive and considerably improved compared to previous cycles. The party won around 114 to 125 ward seats across 12 to 13 civic bodies, making it one of the notable gains among urban election results. AIMIM’s best showing came in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where it captured more than 30 seats, followed by significant wins in other cities such as Malegaon, Nanded, Amravati and Dhule. The party also recorded wins in Thane and Jalgaon civic bodies.
Analysts note that AIMIM’s strategy of presenting a combination of social workers, first-time contestants and leaders with deep community engagements contributed to its success. The party’s narrative of inclusive politics, which emphasises representation for all communities, resonated with diverse voter segments across wards.
Significance of Cross-Community Victories
The fact that candidates from Hindu and Buddhist backgrounds won on AIMIM tickets is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights a broadening base for a party often perceived as focused primarily on minority politics. Party leaders including Imtiaz Jaleel have cited these results as proof that AIMIM’s support now extends beyond traditional Muslim voters to include segments such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other communities.
Second, these victories come in wards that were previously considered strongholds of other political formations, underscoring a shift in voter priorities toward candidates they perceive as responsive to local issues, regardless of party identity. In many areas where these candidates won, voters expressed frustration with established parties and sought alternatives focused on community development, civic services and accessible leadership.
Voices and Leadership Perspectives
Imtiaz Jaleel, AIMIM’s Maharashtra president, stated that the victories of non-Muslim candidates reflect the party’s expanding appeal and its potential to unite diverse communities under a common agenda. According to him, the success of these candidates shows that AIMIM’s base is no longer confined to any single community but spans a wider social spectrum.
For Vijay Ubale, winning in Mumbai was an affirmation of local trust and grassroots connection. His success has been attributed to consistent engagement with residents on civic concerns such as infrastructure, sanitation and public services, which are often the primary issues for urban voters.
Impact on Maharashtra’s Civic Political Landscape
AIMIM’s victories, including those of the six Hindu and Buddhist candidates, have altered the political map in several municipal corporations. In cities like Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Malegaon, AIMIM emerged as a key player, finishing ahead of some regional parties and traditional contenders. The diversified representation is expected to influence civic decision-making and coalition dynamics as municipal bodies take shape following the elections.
Political analysts believe that these results could encourage further expansion of AIMIM’s footprint in urban local body politics. The party’s ability to attract support from various communities could make it a potential kingmaker in municipal councils where no single party has an outright majority.
Future Outlook and Implications
The election outcomes signal a shift in Maharashtra’s urban electoral dynamics, where voters increasingly evaluate candidates based on their local impact and leadership qualities rather than mere party affiliation. AIMIM’s cross-community success could have implications for future contests, encouraging other parties to reassess their candidate selection and outreach strategies.
As municipal councils prepare to convene and elect key office bearers, the presence of AIMIM corporators — including the six non-Muslim winners — may introduce new perspectives on civic governance and coalition formation. The results also highlight the evolving nature of urban politics in Maharashtra, where emerging political forces continue to challenge traditional party hierarchies and reshape local political conversations.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Inclusive Urban Politics
The 2026 Maharashtra municipal corporation election results underscored the growing influence of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, with six Hindu and Buddhist candidates winning on the party’s ticket across different cities. These victories illustrate a broader trend of inclusive political engagement and expanding support bases that transcend conventional community lines. As civic governance structures take shape, the presence of diverse representatives from AIMIM is likely to contribute to a more pluralistic urban political environment in Maharashtra.
Read More: https://channel6network.com/maharashtra-election-results-2026-mahayuti-bjp/
