BJP's Controversial Alliances in Maharashtra: What Does It Mean for Local Politics?
Political Alliances Stir Controversy in Maharashtra
Mumbai: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed unexpected alliances with its traditional rivals, Congress and AIMIM, in two municipal councils across Maharashtra. This development comes despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's strong disapproval, stating that such partnerships are unacceptable and will be dismantled.
In the aftermath of the recent civic elections, the BJP allied with Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to take control of the Ambernath Municipal Council, effectively sidelining their ally, Shiv Sena.
A similar coalition was established in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, where the BJP partnered with AIMIM and other local parties.
Fadnavis emphasized that these arrangements were not sanctioned by the party's higher-ups and breached party discipline. He warned that any local leaders who acted independently in forming these alliances would face consequences.
He stated, "I want to make it clear that any collaboration with Congress or AIMIM is unacceptable. If any local leader has made such a decision unilaterally, it contradicts our discipline, and action will be taken."
In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP's actions, claiming that the party is willing to ally with anyone to maintain power.
In Ambernath, the BJP's post-election agreement with Congress and NCP resulted in a majority of 31 seats, despite Shiv Sena being the largest party with 27 seats. The coalition claims its goal is to stabilize governance in the town, while Shiv Sena has labeled the alliance as unethical.
Sena MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar condemned the move as a betrayal of 'coalition dharma' and contrary to the BJP's national goal of a 'Congress-mukt Bharat.'
BJP councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected as the council president, defeating Shiv Sena's Manisha Walekar.
In the December 20 elections for the 60-member council, Shiv Sena secured 27 seats, just shy of a majority, while the BJP won 14, Congress 12, NCP 4, and 2 independents were elected.
With the backing of one independent, the coalition now boasts 32 councillors, surpassing the majority threshold of 30. Elections for the vice-president are forthcoming.
BJP councillor Abhijit Karanjule Patil, who has been appointed as the group leader, stated that the alliance aims to liberate Ambernath from 'corruption and intimidation.'
Conversely, Eknath Shinde's son and Sena MP Shrikant Shinde remarked that it is inappropriate to ally with parties they contest against, suggesting that such actions are driven by a desire for power.
In Akot, the BJP established the 'Akot Vikas Manch' in collaboration with AIMIM, along with support from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Shiv Sena, NCP, and other local parties.
The BJP secured 11 seats in the 35-member council, with two seats still pending election, while AIMIM won 2 seats. The coalition's total strength now stands at 25.
BJP's Akola MP Anup Dhotre claimed that four AIMIM council members defected to the BJP.
AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel expressed concern over the situation, stating, "Our political stance is against the BJP. I have instructed our party in Akot to provide me with an update immediately."
BJP's Maya Dhule was elected as mayor, defeating AIMIM's Firozabi Sikandar Rana, while BJP's Ravi Thakur was appointed as group leader.
The coalition was officially registered with the Akola district administration, ahead of the deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for January 13.
The Congress, holding six seats, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, with two, remain in opposition.
Dhotre reiterated, "The four AIMIM council members have left their party and joined hands with the BJP. We have not formed any alliance with AIMIM."
Akola BJP MLA Randhir Savarkar claimed that four out of five AIMIM council members in Akot rejected the party's hardline stance and chose to join the Akot Vikas Manch.
Jaleel countered that AIMIM's leader Asaduddin Owaisi has made it clear that the party will not collaborate with the BJP.
He added, "If the BJP is part of any coalition, we will not participate. I have made it clear to the councillors that we will not form any alliance with the BJP."