NewKerala.com

BJP-MIM Alliance Resurfaces in Akot Council, Defying Fadnavis Order

The controversial political alliance between the BJP and AIMIM has resurfaced in Akot, with all five AIMIM corporators supporting BJP leader's son Jitesh Barethia for a co-opted seat in the municipal council. This move defies the explicit orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had called for the dissolution of the "unholy" tie-up. The Congress party has sharply criticized the development, accusing the BJP and AIMIM of having a secret understanding. Meanwhile, the rejected AIMIM candidate plans to challenge the decision in court, and the state BJP's disciplinary action against local leaders remains pending.

Key Points: BJP-MIM Alliance Re-emerges in Akot Municipal Council

  • AIMIM corporators back BJP's candidate
  • Alliance defies CM Fadnavis's order
  • Congress accuses BJP of hypocrisy
  • Rejected AIMIM candidate plans legal move
  • Disciplinary action pending against local BJP leaders
3 min read

BJP-MIM alliance re-emerges via co-opted polls in Akot Municipal Council; Jitesh Barethia elected

BJP and AIMIM's controversial tie-up resurfaces in Akot as AIMIM corporators back BJP leader's son for a co-opted seat, defying state leadership.

"two sides of the same coin - Local Congress leaders"

Akola, Jan 12

The political landscape in Akola's Akot remains volatile as the controversial alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen has resurfaced in a new form.

Despite a nationwide outcry and explicit orders from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to scrap the "unholy" tie-up, the two parties appeared to cooperate once again during the selection of co-opted (nominated) members for the Akot Municipal Council.

The "second act" of the BJP-AIMIM alliance unfolded when all five AIMIM corporators threw their support behind Jitesh Barethia, the son of former BJP Municipal President Ramchandra Barethia, for a co-opted corporator seat.

The five AIMIM corporators supporting the BJP's Jitesh Barethia include Afreen Anjum Sharifuddin (group leader), Dilshadbi Razzaq Kha, Reshma Parvin Mohammad Azim, Dr Yusuf Khan Hadik Khan and Hannan Shah Sultan Shah.

Initially, the AIMIM had nominated its own candidate, Taj Rana. However, Rana's application was rejected on technical grounds, allegedly because it was submitted after the deadline. This left Jitesh Barethia as the sole candidate nominated via the AIMIM's quota. Consequently, Barethia - the son of a prominent local BJP leader - will now serve as a co-opted corporator with the official backing of the AIMIM.

This development comes just days after the BJP and MIM initially formed the Akot Vikas Manch (Akot Development Front) to gain a majority in the 35-member council. However, amid outcry, the state BJP leadership took a stern view. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the immediate dissolution of the alliance, stating that tie-ups with Congress or AIMIM are "strictly unacceptable."

The state's BJP unit issued show-cause notices to local MLA Prakash Bharsakale and City President Harish Tawari for forging the alliance without central approval. Following the backlash, the five AIMIM corporators had officially withdrawn from the Akot Vikas Manch and formed an independent group.

The Congress party has reacted sharply to this development, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy. Local Congress leaders alleged that the BJP and AIMIM are "two sides of the same coin," claiming this "indirect alliance" proves their secret understanding despite public denials by senior leaders. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also slammed BJP for their alliance in Akot Municipal Council while questioning its Hindutva.

Meanwhile, the rejected AIMIM candidate, Taj Rana, has indicated plans to move the court against the rejection of his application.

Despite the ongoing drama, the BJP leadership has yet to take final disciplinary action against MLA Prakash Bharsakale, keeping the political circles in Maharashtra buzzing with speculation over the "Akot Pattern."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, the "technical rejection" of Taj Rana's application is highly suspicious. It reeks of a managed outcome to install the BJP leader's son while maintaining plausible deniability for the state leadership. The court case will be interesting.
A
Arjun K
Local politics in Maharashtra has always been about pragmatism over ideology. The "Akot Pattern" is just the latest example. Parties will do anything for a majority. The real question is, will this help develop Akot or just create more instability? 🤔
P
Priya S
Congress calling BJP and AIMIM "two sides of the same coin" is rich! They have allied with everyone under the sun for power. At least this exposes the hypocrisy on all sides. Voters deserve better than this drama.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the state BJP leadership needs to take decisive action. Issuing show-cause notices is not enough. If discipline is not enforced, it sets a terrible precedent. This "indirect alliance" damages the party's credibility more than losing a municipal seat ever would.
M
Meera T
Forget the politics for a second. A young man, Jitesh Barethia, is now a corporator. I hope he focuses on his duty to the people of Akot and delivers on development, regardless of how he got the seat. That's what ultimately matters.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50