Campaigning turned tense in the Baijipura–Jinsi locality of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday when former Aurangabad MP and AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel faced a hostile crowd while canvassing for the upcoming municipal elections.
Jaleel was travelling through the area in his vehicle when a group of protesters carrying black flags surrounded the convoy. Eggs were hurled at the vehicle and attempts were made to stop it, forcing AIMIM workers to form a protective ring around their leader. The confrontation soon spilled onto the street, with sharp arguments and physical scuffles breaking out between party workers and the protesters. Amid the chaos, at least one AIMIM worker sustained injuries.
Police personnel present at the site stepped in to prevent the situation from spiralling further. After repeated appeals failed to calm the crowd, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse those involved and clear the road. Several bystanders watched as the scene unfolded, while videos capturing the disturbance quickly began circulating on social media, drawing widespread attention.
In the aftermath, AIMIM leaders alleged that the attack was not spontaneous but planned. They accused Congress candidate Kaleem Qureshi of being behind the protest, claiming that they had alerted the police beforehand about possible trouble but adequate security arrangements were not put in place. Jaleel also alleged the involvement of BJP ministers Atul Save and Sanjay Shirsat, saying their political influence had emboldened those who confronted him.
The accusations were firmly denied by those named. Qureshi rejected AIMIM’s claims, alleging that Jaleel had staged the episode to generate sympathy and attract support. Shirsat dismissed the allegations as baseless and publicly stated that he would step away from politics if any proof emerged against him.
AIMIM Leader Imtiaz Jaleel Targeted With Eggs During Maharashtra Poll CampaignThe incident has added to the charged political atmosphere in the city ahead of the municipal polls, underscoring growing tensions on the campaign trail.
