Congress Takes Strict Action Against Nashik Leader Over BJP Alliance Pact
The Indian National Congress has taken decisive disciplinary action against its Malegaon city unit chief in Nashik, Ejaz Beg, following his controversial move to form an electoral alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the municipal corporation level. Beg has been dismissed from his organizational post and served with a show cause notice that questions his continued membership in the party.
Formation and Swift Cancellation of Bharat Vikas Aghadi
The political drama unfolded when Beg, leading the local Congress unit, entered into a formal pact with the BJP to create a new alliance named the Bharat Vikas Aghadi (BVA). This group was officially registered with the Nashik divisional commissioner's office, creating an unprecedented local coalition between the two national rivals.
However, the Congress high command reacted strongly against this unauthorized alliance. Party observer Sharad Aher had specifically instructed Beg to register Congress as a separate group in the corporation. When Beg failed to comply and instead proceeded with the BJP alliance, Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal initiated strict disciplinary measures.
Strategic Calculations Behind the Controversial Move
Beg defended his actions by explaining the mathematical logic behind the alliance. "When we ally with the other party (BJP), which has two seats, as a group, we have the strength of five members. That earns us a post on the standing committee as well. This is the reason we took the decision," Beg stated in his explanation.
Political observers note that this move represented a strategic attempt to consolidate power in the fractured Nashik Municipal Corporation. In the recent corporation elections:
- Congress secured only three seats
- BJP managed just two seats
- ISLAM party emerged as the largest group with 35 seats
- Shiv Sena won 18 seats
- AIMIM secured 21 seats
- Samajwadi Party obtained 5 seats
"Congress was the kingmaker in this scenario," explained a political analyst. "But what if Shiv Sena, with AIMIM, makes a move and falls four seats short of the magical number? It is here that BJP's two seats will play an important role. That is why they formed a group with Congress to help each other."
Swift Reversal and Damage Control
Following the party's strong objection, both Congress and BJP functionaries have now requested the divisional commissioner to cancel the BVA group registration. "We wrote to the divisional commissioner that, at the time of coming together, we were not aware of the legal implications and terms and conditions. Since the registration of the group is still in progress, we requested the officer not to recognise the group," revealed a BJP source.
The formal letter to the commissioner was signed by BJP representatives Madan Gaikwad and Praveen Patil. Ejaz Beg has also submitted a separate letter on identical lines, formally requesting cancellation of the BVA group registration that he had initially pursued.
"I received the letter and will respond to the party accordingly," Beg stated regarding his dismissal and show cause notice. "After the party objected to our move, we requested the divisional commissioner not to sanction our demand regarding the formation of the BVA group."
This incident highlights the complex political maneuvering at the municipal level in Maharashtra, where local electoral mathematics sometimes creates unexpected alliances, even between traditional rivals, though such moves often face resistance from party leaderships committed to maintaining ideological boundaries.
