The Akot Municipal Council finds itself embroiled in fresh political controversy. Five councillors from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have thrown their support behind Jiten Barethia for the position of nominated councillor. This move has immediately drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Background of the Political Rift
This development comes after a series of turbulent events in Akot's local politics. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis previously issued a strong rebuke. His intervention effectively ended the post-election alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AIMIM in the municipality.
Following the chief minister's action, the BJP took disciplinary steps. The party served a show-cause notice to local MLA Prakash Bharsakale. They questioned his role in facilitating the initial alliance with AIMIM.
In response to these pressures, AIMIM made a decisive move. The party withdrew from the BJP-led Akot Vikas Manch. The five AIMIM councillors then formed an independent group within the council.
The Nomination Process Unfolds
The controversy centers on the selection for the nominated councillor post. AIMIM initially put forward two names for consideration. They proposed Taj Rana and Jiten Barethia as candidates.
However, the nomination process hit a snag. Officials rejected Taj Rana's application. They cited that it was submitted after the official deadline had passed.
This left Jiten Barethia as the only valid candidate from AIMIM's proposals. With the support of all five AIMIM councillors, he was officially declared the nominated councillor.
Political Reactions and Denials
Local BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakale quickly addressed the situation. He firmly denied any organizational link between the BJP and Jiten Barethia. "Barethia has no association with the BJP," Bharsakale stated. "This is a deliberate attempt to defame the party."
These denials come despite clear family connections. Jiten Barethia's father, Ramchandra Barethia, remains a prominent senior leader within the BJP. Both father and son actively participated in campaigning for BJP candidates during the recent municipal elections.
Opposition Voices Strong Criticism
Congress MLA from Akola West, Sajid Khan Pathan, did not mince words. He accused AIMIM of functioning as a proxy for the BJP. "The pattern is repeating itself," Pathan asserted. "AIMIM acts as BJP's B-team. They publicly oppose each other, yet they unite for power whenever it suits them. What has happened in Akot only confirms this arrangement."
Pathan leveled further allegations against both parties. He claimed that BJP and AIMIM consistently engage in politics that divides communities. This criticism reflects broader concerns about their political strategies.
The Five AIMIM Councillors
The councillors who supported Jiten Barethia's nomination are:
- Afrin Anjum Sharifoddin (Group Leader)
- Dilshadbi Razzak Khan
- Reshma Parveen Mohammad Azim
- Dr. Yusuf Khan Hadik Khan
- Hannan Shah Sultan Shah
Their collective decision has reignited political tensions in Akot. The municipal council now faces renewed scrutiny. Observers are watching closely to see how this alliance develops and what impact it will have on local governance.
