Maharashtra CM Rejects Alliance with Congress Amid Political Tensions

Political Stance on Alliance

On Wednesday, January 7, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis firmly dismissed any potential alliance with the Congress party, labeling it as 'unacceptable.' He emphasized that decisions made at the local level in Ambernath would be revised, reinforcing that there would be no collaboration with Congress. This statement followed a surprising political development within the Ambernath Municipal Council, where the BJP and Congress reportedly joined forces to prevent the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena from gaining power, escalating political tensions in the state.

Alliance Not Acceptable

Fadnavis reiterated that an alliance with Congress is not an option. He stated that the local decision made in Ambernath would be changed, and there would be no partnership with Congress. Despite the BJP's long-standing campaign for a 'Congress-free India,' an unexpected alliance emerged in Ambernath, located about 70 kilometers from Mumbai in Thane district. The purpose of this coalition was to keep the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena out of power. This BJP-Congress alliance has sparked sharp reactions in political circles and ignited significant debate regarding the complexities of local electoral politics in Maharashtra.

Formation of Ambernath Development Front

The coalition has been named the 'Ambernath Development Front.' However, these developments have led to considerable discontent within the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. Following the BJP-Congress alliance, the Shinde faction has expressed strong outrage. Shiv Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar criticized the BJP for forming what he termed an 'unholy alliance' with Congress, accusing them of attacking Shiv Sena while advocating for a Congress-free India.