What does the defeat of Arun Gawli's daughters in BMC polls signify?
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Synopsis
The recent BMC elections marked a significant turning point for Arun Gawli's daughters, Geeta and Yogita, as they faced unexpected losses. Their defeat reflects shifting political dynamics in Mumbai and highlights the rise of AIMIM in local governance. This article delves into the implications of these results and the emerging voting patterns among minority communities.
Key Takeaways
- Geeta Gawli and Yogita Gawli lost in the BMC elections.
- AIMIM won 125 seats in Maharashtra municipalities.
- The elections indicate a shift in minority voting patterns.
- AIMIM is emerging as a significant player in local politics.
- Urban Muslim voters are moving away from traditional parties.
Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) Both daughters of former gangster and ex-MLA Arun Gawli faced defeat in the recent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Geeta Gawli and Yogita Gawli ran for office in the Byculla region of Mumbai, representing the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABHS), an organization established by Arun Gawli.
Geeta, who has previously served as a corporator three times, was unsuccessful in securing a victory in Ward No. 212, losing to Amrin Shezad Abrahani from the Samajwadi Party. Meanwhile, her sister Yogita, making her electoral debut, was defeated by Rohidas Lokhande of the BJP in Ward No. 207.
In September 2025, Arun Gawli was released from Nagpur Central Jail after receiving bail from the Supreme Court.
In related news, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) achieved a remarkable milestone in the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, indicating a significant change in the voting behavior of minorities in the state. The party secured 125 seats across 13 out of the 29 corporations that participated in the elections, effectively outpacing traditional parties like the Samajwadi Party and Congress in several areas. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), AIMIM won the highest number of seats, electing 33 corporators.
In Mumbai (BMC), AIMIM's performance was noteworthy, winning eight seats and establishing a strong presence in areas with significant minority populations.
In Malegaon, while AIMIM saw a robust performance, the Islam Party (affiliated with the Malegaon Secular Front) became the leading party in Malegaon East, winning 35 seats and paving the way for its Mayor. AIMIM also secured 15 seats in Nanded, 12 in Amravati, 10 in Dhule, six in Nagpur, and five in Thane.
AIMIM's remarkable success extended to Solapur, where it won eight seats, emerging as the second-largest party in the Solapur Municipal Corporation, trailing only the BJP. In Nagpur, the party captured six seats, with Alisha Fahim Khan winning from Ward 3-D, and also achieving a clean sweep in all three seats of Ward No. 6.
The election results suggest that urban Muslim voters in Maharashtra are increasingly leaning towards AIMIM, moving away from the Congress-MVA alliance and the Samajwadi Party. With 125 seats, Asaduddin Owaisi’s party has positioned itself as a potential ‘kingmaker’ in several hung corporations where no major alliance has a clear majority.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the evolving political landscape in Maharashtra. The defeats of Geeta and Yogita Gawli serve as a reminder of the changing dynamics within the electorate, particularly among minority communities. The rise of AIMIM signifies a broader shift that could reshape local governance and necessitate a reevaluation of traditional political alliances.
NationPress
16/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Arun Gawli's daughters?
Arun Gawli's daughters are Geeta Gawli and Yogita Gawli, both of whom contested in the recent BMC elections.
What party did Geeta and Yogita Gawli represent?
They represented the Akhil Bharatiya Sena (ABHS), a party founded by their father, Arun Gawli.
What was the outcome of the BMC elections for Gawli's daughters?
Both Geeta and Yogita Gawli lost their respective elections in the BMC polls.
What significant trend emerged from the recent elections?
The AIMIM achieved a historic performance in the Maharashtra municipal elections, indicating a shift in minority voting patterns.
What does AIMIM's success indicate?
AIMIM's success suggests that urban Muslim voters in Maharashtra are increasingly moving away from traditional parties like Congress and the Samajwadi Party.
