India, Feb. 13 -- Contrary to the civic politics in Chandrapur, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress were ranged against each other in the mayoral race, the two parties have stuck together in Parbhani. As a result, Muslim corporator Sayyad Iqbal of the Sena (UBT) has been elected to the chair, a move that has prompted the BJP to accuse Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray of forsaking Hindutva.

The Sena (UBT) emerged as the single-largest party in the Parbhani Municipal Corporation, with 25 seats, while the Congress won 12. With a pre-poll alliance, the two parties together won 37 seats, a simple majority in a civic body of 65.

However, uncertainty prevailed after a decision by Thackeray to have the Sena (UBT) back the BJP in the Chandra...