In a surprising political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) local units in Maharashtra have entered into post-election alliances with traditional rivals, the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), to gain control of several municipal councils. This move has triggered a sharp reaction from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has publicly disavowed the tie-ups and warned of strict action against involved party leaders.
Unexpected Coalitions in Ambernath and Akot
The most notable alliance emerged in the Ambernath municipal council in Thane district. Following the polls on December 20, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats in the 60-member house, just short of a majority. The BJP won 14 seats, and the Congress secured 12.
In a strategic shift, the local BJP unit joined hands with the Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, forming the 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi'. With the support of an independent councillor, this coalition's strength reached 32, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 30. The alliance stated its goal was to ensure stable administration for the town's development.
Similarly, in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, the BJP crafted a broad coalition named the 'Akot Vikas Manch'. This alliance includes the AIMIM and has support from both factions of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde), both NCP factions, and the Prahar Janshakti Party. In the 35-member council, the BJP holds 11 seats and the AIMIM has 5. The coalition's total strength is 25.
As a result, BJP's Maya Dhule was elected mayor of Akot, and party member Ravi Thakur was appointed group leader. The alliance was formally registered with the district administration on Wednesday, January 4, 2026.
Chief Minister's Stern Rejection and Warning
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also a senior BJP leader, swiftly distanced the party's state leadership from these local arrangements. He asserted that such pacts violate the party's core principles and organisational discipline.
"I am making it very clear that any alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM will not be accepted," Fadnavis stated in a media interaction. "If any local leader has taken such a decision on their own, it is wrong in terms of discipline and action will be taken." He confirmed that instructions have been issued to dissolve these unofficial alliances.
This stance is significant as the BJP, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena are ruling allies in the state's Mahayuti government. Alliances with the opposition Congress and the AIMIM directly contradict the BJP's national narrative.
Political Fallout and Accusations of Betrayal
The move has ignited a political firestorm, with the Shiv Sena factions crying foul. Sena MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar accused the BJP of betraying "coalition dharma" and acting contrary to its own slogan of a "Congress-mukt Bharat" (Congress-free India).
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP's "frivolous behaviour," claiming the party would align with anyone to seize power. The ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction has labeled the Ambernath alliance as "unethical and opportunistic."
These local alliances highlight the complex and often contradictory nature of grassroots politics in Maharashtra, where immediate electoral gains can sometimes override broader national political narratives. The episode also underscores the challenge for central party leadership in maintaining discipline among local units operating in highly competitive environments.
All eyes are now on whether the BJP's state leadership will follow through with its warning and take concrete action to dismantle these coalitions, potentially leading to fresh political realignments in these civic bodies.
