Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 7: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday issued a stern warning after reports emerged that local BJP leaders had entered into post-poll alliances with the Congress and AIMIM in two municipal bodies, terming such tie-ups unacceptable and a serious breach of party discipline.

Stating that the BJP can never align with the Congress or the AIMIM, Fadnavis made it clear that such arrangements were made without the approval of the party’s senior leadership. “If any local BJP leaders have formed alliances with these parties without authorisation, strict disciplinary action will be taken,” he said, adding that instructions have already been issued to immediately undo the arrangements.

The controversy erupted after BJP leaders in Ambernath announced a post-poll alliance with the Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP under the banner of ‘Ambernath Vikas Aghadi’ to form the municipal council leadership, sidelining ally Shiv Sena. In a similar development, a BJP–AIMIM alliance was stitched together in Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

Fadnavis clarified that neither of the alliances had the party’s approval. “Any unilateral decision taken by local leaders is against party discipline and will not be tolerated,” he said in an interview.

The developments have also put the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP—under the spotlight.

In the Ambernath civic polls, the BJP–Congress–NCP combine secured a majority of 31 seats in the 60-member council, while Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 councillors. BJP councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected council president, defeating Shiv Sena’s Manisha Walekar.

Reacting sharply, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of opportunism, alleging that the party was ready to align with anyone to capture power. Sena MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar termed the move a betrayal of “coalition dharma” and said it went against the BJP’s slogan of a “Congress-mukt Bharat”.

In Akot, the BJP formed the ‘Akot Vikas Manch’ along with AIMIM and support from other parties, winning the mayor’s post with BJP’s Maya Dhule elected. The alliance was formally registered with the district administration ahead of deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for January 13.

The BJP leadership is now expected to take corrective and disciplinary measures to contain the fallout from the developments.