Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday strongly condemned reports that certain BJP leaders had entered into post-poll alliances with the Congress and AIMIM in two separate municipal councils, calling the arrangements “unacceptable” and promising stringent disciplinary measures.

“The BJP can never form an alliance with the Congress or the AIMIM. Such alliances are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis said. He added that instructions have already been issued to undo the alliances and warned that any local leaders acting without the party’s approval would face strict action.

“If any local BJP leaders have entered into alliances with these parties without approval, it is a serious breach of party discipline,” he said, underscoring the party’s stance against unilateral decisions at the grassroots level.

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Controversial Alliances

The controversy erupted after the BJP reportedly formed two separate post-poll alliances:

1. Ambernath Municipal Council: BJP leaders joined hands with the Congress and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP under the banner of ‘Ambernath Vikas Aghadi’, sidelining their ally Shiv Sena. The coalition secured a 31-member majority in the 60-seat civic body. BJP councillor Tejashree Karanjule Patil was elected council president, defeating the Sena’s Manisha Walekar, while Shiv Sena remained the single largest party with 27 councillors.
2. Akot Municipal Council, Akola district: BJP formed the ‘Akot Vikas Manch’ with AIMIM and the support of other parties. The alliance resulted in BJP’s Maya Dhule being elected mayor. The alliance was formally registered with the district administration ahead of the deputy mayor and committee elections scheduled for January 13.

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Political Fallout

The alliances have triggered sharp reactions from opposition and BJP allies:

• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of opportunism, saying the party was willing to align with any party just to grab power.
• Shiv Sena MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar called the move a betrayal of coalition dharma, arguing that it contradicted the BJP’s national agenda of a “Congress-mukt Bharat.”

Fadnavis reiterated that neither the Ambernath nor Akot alliances had approval from the BJP’s senior leadership, and any unilateral decisions by local leaders were a violation of party discipline.

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The developments have also brought the spotlight back on the Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra, comprising the BJP, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, raising questions about coordination and trust among allies at the local level.