BJP Forms Unexpected Alliance with Congress in Maharashtra Town

Political Shift in Ambernath

DHARAMSHALA:
A municipal council in Ambernath, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, has ignited significant political discussions. In a surprising move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has allied with its historical rival, Congress, to maintain control over the local civic body, a decision that has reverberated beyond the town's borders.

This partnership is particularly striking for a party that has long championed the idea of a 'Congress-mukt Bharat.' The Ambernath collaboration represents a notable strategic shift, primarily motivated by post-election calculations and the necessity to prevent the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction from gaining power.

Unexpected Allies with a Shared Objective

The newly formed ruling coalition, dubbed the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, consists of the BJP, Congress, and the NCP (Ajit Pawar). This alliance comprises 14 councillors from the BJP, 12 from Congress, four from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and one Independent, collectively securing a majority of 32 members, including the council president's role.

With this majority, BJP leader Tejashree Karanjule was elected as the president of the Ambernath Municipal Council. This outcome is notable given that the Shiv Sena (Shinde) emerged as the largest party in the elections, highlighting how negotiations post-results altered the final scenario.

Congress Takes Action Against Local Leaders

However, this alliance has repercussions for Congress. The Maharashtra Congress swiftly suspended Ambernath bloc chief Pradeep Patil and all Congress corporators involved in the agreement, citing a violation of party discipline. The state unit emphasized that local arrangements with political adversaries require prior approval.

Shiv Sena Criticizes the Alliance, BJP Responds

The Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction has condemned the BJP's actions as politically opportunistic. Sena leaders have accused the BJP of sacrificing ideology for power, labeling the partnership as 'unnatural' and 'ethically questionable.' MLA Balaji Kinikar remarked that this development undermines the broader Mahayuti alliance and creates confusion ahead of upcoming civic elections.

In defense, the BJP has justified its approach. Local leader Gulabrao Karanjule Patil stated that the alliance was formed to ensure stable and transparent governance. He alleged that corruption issues during the previous Sena-led administration had hindered the council's operations and claimed that efforts to collaborate with the Shinde faction had repeatedly failed.

The Ambernath situation has underscored the increasing divisions within the ruling coalition in Maharashtra. While the BJP has gained control of the municipal council, this decision has intensified distrust with its traditional ally, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).