In a stunning political reversal, the balance of power in the Ambernath Municipal Council has shifted dramatically. Just a day after 12 suspended Congress councillors formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), all four councillors belonging to the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) withdrew their support from the BJP-led front. They have now extended their allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The Numbers Game: How the Majority Shifted
This move has significant numerical implications for the 60-member council. Shiv Sena, which had won 27 seats in the elections held last month, has now secured the support of 32 councillors, giving it a clear majority. This bloc includes the Sena's own 27, the four NCP councillors, and one independent member.
The development is a direct setback for the BJP's ambitious plan to control the civic body. The BJP, with its 15 elected councillors, had initially cobbled together a 32-member coalition named the 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi'. This group included the 12 Congress councillors (who were later suspended by their party), the four NCP members, and one independent. The formation was formally registered with the Thane district collector.
A Traditional Stronghold and a Strategic Counter
Ambernath is traditionally considered a Shiv Sena stronghold and is also viewed as the bastion of Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. To break this hold, the BJP's strategy involved bringing the opposition councillors into its fold. However, this move attracted criticism, particularly for aligning with Congress members.
Shiv Sena, led by Shrikant Shinde, is said to have executed a strategic counter-move by successfully persuading the four NCP councillors and one independent to switch sides. This effectively turned the tables on the BJP's consolidation efforts. Of the two independent councillors elected, one is now with the Sena-backed group, while the other remains with the BJP-led front.
Implications and Future Challenges
The changing equations have immediate political consequences. While the BJP had won the direct election for the council president's post, it will now be compelled to share power with Shiv Sena. Key positions such as the deputy president and chairs of various local committees are now expected to go to Sena and NCP representatives, as per political observers.
Shiv Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar confirmed the developments that unfolded on Friday. However, the situation may not be entirely settled. A BJP politician, speaking anonymously, pointed out a potential legal ambiguity. He stated that since the four NCP councillors had formally joined the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi registered with the Thane collector, questions could be raised about their ability to now support Sena.
Observers conclude that while the latest manoeuvre has decisively altered the balance of power in the Ambernath council, it may also have opened the door to possible legal and political challenges in the coming days, keeping the political drama alive.
