Samajwadi Party expels six Bhiwandi corporators over co-opted member nomination row

A major dispute has erupted in the Samajwadi Party over the election of co-opted members to the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation. The party has expelled six of its corporators. They are accused of defying the party's order and backing the name of Bharat Janglani, who is considered a supporter of BJP MLA Mahesh Choughule. The action has brought the differences within the party in the civic body into the open and is being discussed in political circles.

On the orders of Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi, city president Riyaz Azmi announced action against the six corporators. The expelled corporators include group leader Arib Yakub Shaikh, Kashfi Shaf Momin, Ajib Jamal Momin, Ansari Shabana Shamim, Shaikh Salmabano Mohammad Akram and Khan Amal Ubaid.

It is reported that the party leadership was angered by the recommendation of Bharat Janglani's name for the co-opted corporator post. The corporators have been accused of not taking the decision in line with the order given by the party. The picture will become clearer only after the concerned corporators give their side on the action.

Meanwhile, at a special general body meeting of the Bhiwandi civic body, Mayor Narayan Chaudhari announced the appointment of nine co-opted members. The Congress names announced were Imran Mohammad H. Ansari, Arfat A. Shaikh and Salim Ahmed Shaikh. The names announced were Sugandha Tavare and Ravi Sawant from the BJP, Sanjay Kabukar from the Shiv Sena, Girish Mhatre from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), Bharat Janglani from the Samajwadi Party, and Mayur Vilas Patil from the Konark Vikas Aghadi.

However, resentment has surfaced in the Congress too over the election. It is reported that city president Abid Khan objected to the names suggested by Congress group leader and Deputy Mayor Tariq Momin. According to information, Abid Khan has also made a written demand that these names be withdrawn.

It is also being said that Samajwadi Party city president Riyaz Azmi has demanded of Commissioner Anmol Sagar that the name of Sarfaraz Shaikh be announced in place of Bharat Janglani.

With action taken against six Samajwadi Party corporators on one side and resentment in the Congress on the other, the issue of appointing co-opted corporators is now much discussed. All eyes are now on what the parties decide next and what stand the expelled corporators take.