In a surprising twist, the BJP has collaborated with Congress to establish the ruling coalition in the Ambernath Municipal Council, located in Thane district. Additionally, the BJP formed an alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) within the Akot Municipal Council in Akola.
In light of these developments, BJP leader and Maharashtra CM Fadnavis has expressed disapproval of such coalitions and warned local leaders of forthcoming actions.
“I want to be clear that no partnership with Congress or AIMIM will be tolerated. If any local leader has made this determination independently, it contradicts our code of conduct, and appropriate measures will be taken,” Fadnavis stated on a news channel, as reported by news agency PTI.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP Shrikant Shinde has also voiced concerns regarding these alliances, remarking, “You (media) should inquire with the BJP about the formation of these alliances. Their leaders may have engaged in these partnerships for political gain. Senior BJP officials must take action,” as indicated by news agency ANI.
Congress suspends its local leaders
The Vice President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Ganesh Patil, addressed a letter to block president Pradeep Patil of the Ambarnath Congress.
“We contested elections under the Congress banner and secured 12 seats, but you have formed an alliance with the BJP without informing the state leadership or office, which we learned through media reports,” he stated in his correspondence.
“This is unacceptable, and as per the guidance of the state president, Harshwardhan, you are hereby suspended from the party,” he added.
Vice President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Ganesh Patil writes a letter to the block president of the Ambarnath Congress, Pradeep Patil
The letter reads, “We contested elections under the Congress banner and won 12 seats, but without informing the state… pic.twitter.com/idVZfsADQW— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2026
War of words between Shinde camp and BJP
MLA Dr. Balaji from the Shinde faction accused the BJP, which champions a “Congress-free India,” of betraying the Shiv Sena by partnering with Congress. The alliance was described as a “betrayal,” according to News18.
In response to these accusations, BJP vice-president Gulabrao Karanjule Patil dismissed the criticisms, asserting that aligning with the Shinde group, which has allegedly engaged in corruption for 25 years, would not have been prudent, as per News18.
Read more: BJP allies with Congress in Ambernath civic body to keep Shinde’s Shiv Sena out