Huge political drama in Maharashtra. Twelve newly elected Congress councillors from the Ambernath Municipal Council in Maharashtra have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move came just hours
after the Congress suspended them for aligning with the BJP ahead of the civic polls.
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan confirmed the development on Wednesday. He said the councillors joined the BJP with a focus on development, not power.
The political shift follows the municipal council elections held on December 20 in Ambernath, located in Thane district. The polls resulted in a fractured mandate in the 60-member council. Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats but fell short of a majority. The BJP won 14 seats, Congress secured 12, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP won four seats, and two independents were elected.
Ambernath Vikas Aghadi
After the results, the BJP, Congress and NCP came together to form a governing alliance named the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi (AVA). With the support of one independent councillor, the alliance reached 32 members, crossing the majority mark. This move kept Shiv Sena out of power despite it being the largest party.
Congress action
The Congress reacted sharply to the local alliance with the BJP. On Wednesday, the party suspended all 12 of its newly elected councillors in Ambernath, along with block president Pradip Patil, and dissolved its local block unit. Soon after, the suspended councillors formally joined the BJP.
Chavan said the councillors believed the BJP-led Mahayuti government could fulfil the promises made to voters. He added that the decision reflected growing confidence in the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and the NCP alliance.
Shiv Sena and BJP leadership react
Shiv Sena, a Mahayuti ally, criticised the developments and called them a betrayal of coalition principles. Leaders from the Shinde camp alleged the alliance was formed to deny Shiv Sena power despite its electoral strength.
The issue has widened due to similar alliances elsewhere, including in Akot, where the BJP tied up with the AIMIM. Chavan said a show-cause notice had been issued to BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakhale.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also warned party leaders against unauthorised alliances with Congress or AIMIM, saying strict action would be taken.
The developments come at a time of increased political activity in Maharashtra, with elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, scheduled for January 15.
