The Indian National Congress had suspended 12 newly elected municipal councilors from the Ambernath Municipal Council, as they allied with the BJP to form a board. Now, all twelve public representatives have formally joined the BJP, India Today reported.
BJP's reaction to the joining
Ravindra Chavan, Maharashtra BJP chief, has confirmed the joining, as he noted that their decision to switch over to the BJP was for the development of citizens, and not for power.
He said, "The people elected these councilors, and they had promised development to citizens. They believe the BJP-led government is dynamic and capable of delivering justice and development."
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What happened in Ambernath?
The BJP and the Congress joined hands in the Ambernath Municipal Council elections in Maharashtra to keep Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena out of power. Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP also supported the alliance. In the polls, the BJP won 14 seats, the Congress 12, the NCP 4, while independents won 3 seats.
However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP's tie-up with the Congress was "unacceptable" and claimed the local decision would be corrected. The alliance, named the 'Ambernath Vikas Aghadi', has angered the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Congress too took action, suspending all 12 of its councillors and the local block president for joining hands with the BJP.
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Similar controversy in Akot
The controversy has grown after similar moves in other areas. In Akot Municipal Council in Akola district, the BJP formed an alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. On this, Ravindra Chavan informed that a show-cause notice was issued to BJP MLA Prakash Bharsakhale over the issue.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also pulled up local BJP leaders for tying up with the Congress and AIMIM without party approval.
