Twelve newly-elected Congress councillors from Maharashtra’s Ambernath Municipal Council, who were suspended by their party for aligning with the BJP after the local body elections, have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the councillors switched sides in the interest of development and governance rather than political power.
BJP says move driven by development agenda
According to Chavan, the councillors believed that the BJP-led government was better positioned to fulfil the promises made to voters.
“The people elected these councillors with the hope of development. They feel that the BJP-led Mahayuti government can deliver justice and progress more effectively,” he said.
How the Ambernath political row unfolded
The controversy began after the December 20 municipal council elections in Ambernath, located in Thane district, resulted in a fractured mandate.
- Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats in the 60-member council
- BJP won 14 seats
- Congress secured 12 seats
- Ajit Pawar-led NCP won 4 seats
- Two independents were also elected
Despite Shiv Sena being the largest party, the BJP, Congress and NCP came together to form a post-poll alliance called the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi (AVA). With the support of one independent councillor, the alliance crossed the majority mark with 32 members, effectively keeping Shiv Sena out of power.
Congress suspends councillors, dissolves local unit
The local alliance with the BJP embarrassed the Congress leadership. In response, the party suspended all 12 councillors, along with block president Pradip Patil, and dissolved its Ambernath block unit.
Within hours of the suspension, all 12 councillors formally joined the BJP.
Shiv Sena reacts sharply, alleges betrayal
The ruling Mahayuti ally Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) criticised the developments, calling the move a violation of “coalition dharma.” Leaders from the Shinde camp alleged that the alliance was deliberately formed to deny Shiv Sena its rightful place in power despite its electoral strength.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant clarified that there was no official alliance with the BJP and claimed the councillors had come together only to oppose alleged corruption by Shiv Sena at the local level.
BJP issues warning over unauthorised alliances
The issue widened after reports emerged of the BJP aligning with the AIMIM in Akot municipal council in Akola district. Ravindra Chavan confirmed that a show-cause notice had been issued to BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakhale over the alliance.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also warned party leaders against forming local alliances without approval.
“Any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted. Such decisions violate party discipline, and strict action will follow,” Fadnavis said.
Political heat rises ahead of civic polls
Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, accused the BJP of double standards, alleging it was willing to align with ideological rivals to retain power.
The developments come amid rising political activity in Maharashtra ahead of the January 15 elections to 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).