During Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud’s reign, the Delhi court witnessed a major power struggle between Balban and Imamuddin Raihan. Raihan, a non-Turkish noble, rose rapidly in influence and secured the Sultan’s confidence, which directly threatened Balban’s political stature. The Turkish nobles disliked Raihan’s growing authority, creating a deep factional divide within the administration. Balban viewed Raihan as a serious obstacle in his path to supreme power. Eventually, Balban used political strategy and military support from Turkish nobles to remove Raihan from power, reestablishing his authority in the court. This rivalry shaped Balban’s future rise to the throne.