Ambernath Civic Polls See Unusual Political Alliance
In a surprising development in Maharashtra’s Ambernath Municipal Council, political rivals have come together to form a post-poll alliance aimed at keeping the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) out of power after the recent civic elections. The move has stirred political debate and drawn reactions from senior leaders.
Unusual Local Alliance
After the December civic polls, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) emerged as the single largest party in the 60-seat Ambernath council by winning 27 seats but fell short of an outright majority. Local leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined hands with councillors from the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), along with a few independents, to form a working majority. Together, this coalition secured control of the council and elected a president, sidelining the Shiv Sena despite its seat count.
Reactions From Parties
The unusual alliance between rivals has drawn sharp responses. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised the arrangement, saying such tie-ups are not acceptable and that party discipline must be maintained. At the same time, Congress leadership denied that there was a formal BJP-Congress alliance, saying the group was formed by local leaders from different parties united against perceived corruption at the civic level.
Some Congress councillors involved in the council front were reportedly suspended by their party for going against organisational directives. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leaders slammed the coalition as unethical and opportunistic, accusing their former ally of abandoning shared electoral goals.
Broader Context
The events in Ambernath reflect shifting local dynamics amid broader civic polls in Maharashtra. Post-poll alliances and unexpected political combinations have become a feature in several municipal bodies as parties seek to build majorities and influence local governance. The developments are expected to influence strategies ahead of larger municipal corporation elections scheduled later this month.
