“These corporators were elected by the people and promised development to citizens. They have joined us because the government is dynamic and capable of delivering justice and development,” Chavan said.
The development follows the formation of the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi (AVA), a strategic alliance between the BJP, Congress, and NCP to secure a majority in the 60-member municipal council. Through this coalition, BJP leader Tejashree Karanjule was elected Mayor, sidelining the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), which emerged as the largest single party but remained out of power. The alliance drew national attention due to the BJP partnering with Congress locally despite the two parties being adversaries at the national level.
In response to the corporators’ move, the Maharashtra Congress leadership suspended all 12 councillors, citing violations of party discipline. State Congress Senior Vice President Ganesh Patil issued a letter to local leader Pradeep Patil, noting that the corporators’ alliance with BJP was “a completely wrong step” and ordered the dissolution of the Ambernath Block Congress Committee.
Political reactions have been critical of the local arrangement. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the alliance as “unacceptable,” highlighting that the BJP, NCP led by Ajit Pawar, and Shiv Sena are already in power at the state level. He underscored that partnering with Congress and AIMIM for local governance raises questions about political consistency.
The shift of the 12 corporators is expected to strengthen the BJP-led municipal administration in Ambernath, ensuring stable governance for the Mayor and the council. Observers note that the move may also have implications for future municipal elections in the region, potentially influencing voter perception and party strategies.
The incident underscores the complexity of local political dynamics in Maharashtra, where ideological adversaries at the national level often form tactical alliances to secure local governance and majorities.
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