In a dramatic move highlighting internal discord, the Congress party has suspended all its 12 municipal councillors in Ambernath, along with the local block president, for forming an alliance with the traditional rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This unexpected coalition, named the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, was created to secure power in the civic body, sidelining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single largest party in the recent polls.
Defiance and Immediate Fallout
The suspension order was communicated by Ganesh Patil, Vice President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), to Ambernath block president Pradeep Patil. The letter strongly criticized the local leaders for entering into an alliance with the BJP without informing the state leadership, learning about it through media reports. The letter explicitly stated that such an action was "not a good thing" and proceeded with the suspension as per instructions from state president Harshwardhan. This action underscores the growing tension within the Congress over local-level political arrangements that starkly contradict the party's national ideological stance against the BJP, especially with crucial civic elections looming in major urban centers across Maharashtra.
The Unlikely Alliance and Political Calculus
The political drama unfolded after the municipal elections held on December 20, where the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) won 27 seats in the 60-member council, falling four short of a majority. The BJP secured 14 seats, the Congress 12, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP won four, and two independents were elected. To prevent the Shiv Sena from gaining control, local leaders of the BJP and Congress, along with the Ajit Pawar NCP faction, forged the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi on Tuesday.
This coalition, with a total strength of 32 members (14 BJP, 12 Congress, 4 NCP, 1 independent, and a BJP-backed municipal president), comfortably crosses the majority mark of 31. BJP corporator Abhijit Karanjule Patil was appointed the group leader of the alliance. He defended the move, stating the objective was to free the administration from "fear and corruption" after the Shiv Sena's long rule and to ensure development in Ambernath.
Reactions from State Leadership
The alliance has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis expressed strong displeasure, directing BJP units to end their local alliances with the Congress in Ambernath and with the AIMIM in Akot. "Alliance with Congress and AIMIM is not acceptable. It will have to be broken," he said.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) lambasted the arrangement as "unethical and opportunistic." Sena MLA from Ambernath, Balaji Kinikar, pointed out the irony of the BJP advocating for a "Congress-free India" nationally while strengthening the Congress at the municipal level to cling to power. A Congress state spokesperson maintained that no formal proposal for an alliance had been received from Ambernath, though the local tie-up was already operational.
Implications for Maharashtra Politics
This incident exposes the complex and often contradictory nature of grassroots politics in Maharashtra, where local power dynamics can override national party directives. The suspension of the Congress councillors signals the high command's attempt to enforce discipline and maintain a clear ideological line against the BJP. However, it also reveals the challenges central leadership faces in controlling local units, especially when tangible power in civic bodies is at stake. As larger municipal corporations in cities like Mumbai and Thane prepare for elections, such episodes could set a precedent or serve as a cautionary tale for party workers navigating the turbulent waters of Maharashtra's political landscape.
