In the wake of reports of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders forming alliances with the Congress party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in local civic bodies, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a strong rebuke, terming such actions a "discipline breach" and vowing strict action. The Chief Minister has instructed BJP units to immediately dissolve these unauthorized tie-ups.
Fadnavis stated firmly that the BJP can never form an alliance with the Congress or AIMIM, emphasizing that such alliances are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. He made it clear that these arrangements were made without the approval of the party's senior leadership and constitute a serious violation of party discipline. "If any local BJP leaders have entered into alliances with these parties without approval, it is a grave breach of party discipline," Fadnavis stated.
The controversy arose after BJP leaders in Ambernath announced a post-poll alliance with the Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the banner of 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi' to form the municipal council leadership, sidelining their ally Shiv Sena. A similar coalition involving the BJP and AIMIM was formed in Akot, Akola district. Fadnavis clarified that neither of these alliances had the consent of the party's central or state leadership. "Any unilateral decision taken by local leaders is against party discipline," he said.
In the 60-member Ambernath Municipal Council, the BJP-Congress-NCP combine secured a majority with 31 seats, while the Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 27 councillors. BJP councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected council president. In Akot, the BJP formed the 'Akot Vikas Manch' with the AIMIM, securing the mayoral post.
The developments have drawn sharp criticism from allies and the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of opportunism. Sena MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar called the move a violation of "coalition dharma" and contrary to the BJP's slogan of a "Congress-mukt Bharat".
Fadnavis has issued clear instructions to reverse the unauthorized arrangements and has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.
