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BJP-AIMIM Alliance Shakes Maharashtra Politics in Local Civic Bodies

In a surprising political development, the BJP and the AIMIM have formed governing alliances in the Achalpur and Akot municipal bodies in Maharashtra. This local cooperation starkly contradicts the parties' opposing positions in state and national politics. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned these alliances as acts of indiscipline that damage the BJP's image. The situation reveals a significant rift between local power-sharing necessities and the ideological mandates from party headquarters.

Key Points: BJP, AIMIM Form Unlikely Alliance in Maharashtra Civic Bodies

  • Unprecedented local alliance
  • Defies state party ideology
  • Sparked internal BJP conflict
  • Highlights local vs. state power dynamics
2 min read

'Unlikely alliance' in Maharashtra: BJP and AIMIM join hands in Achalpur civic body

BJP and Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM join forces in Achalpur and Akot municipalities, drawing sharp criticism from state leadership.

"If this has been done by the local leadership, it will have to be broken. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Amravati, Jan 22

In a development that has stunned the political landscape in Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen have joined forces in local municipal bodies. This "unprecedented success" for the AIMIM in recent municipal elections has paved the way for a power-sharing arrangement with the BJP in Achalpur and Akot, sparking intense debate over ideological compromises.

In the Achalpur Municipal Council in Amravati district, the BJP and AIMIM have formed a strategic alliance to secure key positions. Despite being polar opposites in state and national politics, the two parties have come together to govern. As part of this arrangement, a member of the AIMIM has been appointed Chairman of the Education and Sports Committee.

This new alliance comprises BJP as the leading partner, AIMIM with three councillors, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) with two councillors and Independents with three councillors.

The alliance in Achalpur follows a similar controversial precedent set in the Akot municipality. Under the "Akot Vikas Manch", the local BJP leadership integrated AIMIM councillors into their governing front.

The trend has now extended to the Hivarkhed Municipal Council, where a rare tripartite synergy was witnessed. A BJP candidate for the Deputy Chairperson's post was proposed by a Congress member and seconded by an AIMIM member. These local alliances have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP's state leadership.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed strong displeasure, characterising these local tie-ups as "acts of indiscipline" that tarnish the party's image. Fadnavis has reiterated that the BJP will not tolerate any alliance with the AIMIM or Congress.

The BJP state unit had earlier issued a show-cause notice to Akot MLA Prakash Bharsakale for his role in facilitating the local alliance with the AIMIM. The Chief Minister has ordered that these local arrangements be dismantled, stating: "If this has been done by the local leadership, it will have to be broken."

Despite show-cause notices being issued to the local leadership at that time, the ground reality remains unchanged.

The persistence of these alliances suggests that local power dynamics are currently trumping the official ideologies dictated by state headquarters. While local leaders argue that these alliances are necessary for development and local stability, the backlash at the state level highlights a growing rift between ground-level power equations and the ideological mandates of the party headquarters.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
At the grassroots, development often matters more than party lines. If this alliance helps get roads fixed, water supply improved, and schools running better in Achalpur, then maybe it's a practical move. Let's see if they deliver for the people. 🤞
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Aman W
Shows the disconnect between Delhi/Mumbai high command and the ground reality. Local leaders have to work with whoever is elected to get things done. The state leadership issuing notices won't change the arithmetic in the council. Politics is about power, always has been.
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Sarah B
As an observer, this is fascinating. It proves that in municipal politics, where the focus is on sanitation, water, and local schools, ideological purity often takes a backseat. The AIMIM getting the Education committee chair is a significant, symbolic move.
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Vikram M
This is why people get frustrated with politics. They say one thing in Delhi for the TV cameras and do the exact opposite in their own backyard. The BJP voter in Maharashtra must be feeling completely confused and let down. Major loss of credibility.
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Kriti O
Maybe this is a sign of mature politics? If parties can work together locally for development, it's good for democracy. But the double standard is glaring. They must explain this to their core supporters. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

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