Akola, Jan 12 (NationPress) The political situation in Akola’s Akot is becoming increasingly unpredictable as the controversial partnership between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has re-emerged in a different guise.

Despite widespread protests and direct orders from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to dissolve this "unholy" alliance, both parties seem to have collaborated again during the selection process for co-opted (nominated) members of the Akot Municipal Council.

The latest chapter of the BJP-AIMIM cooperation was marked by all five AIMIM corporators expressing their backing for Jitesh Barethia, the son of former BJP Municipal President Ramchandra Barethia, for a co-opted corporator position.

The five AIMIM corporators including Afreen Anjum Sharifuddin (group leader), Dilshadbi Razzaq Kha, Reshma Parvin Mohammad Azim, Dr. Yusuf Khan Hadik Khan, and Hannan Shah Sultan Shah threw their support behind Barethia.

Initially, the AIMIM had put forward its own candidate, Taj Rana. However, Rana’s nomination was dismissed on technical grounds, reportedly because it was submitted past the deadline. This left Jitesh Barethia as the only candidate put forth through the AIMIM's quota. As a result, Barethia, son of a prominent local BJP figure, will take on the role of co-opted corporator with AIMIM's official endorsement.

This development follows closely after the BJP and AIMIM had originally established the Akot Vikas Manch (Akot Development Front) to secure a majority in the 35-member council. However, in response to public backlash, the state BJP leadership took a strong stance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the immediate disbandment of the alliance, asserting that any partnerships with Congress or AIMIM are "completely unacceptable."

The state BJP unit issued show-cause notices to local MLA Prakash Bharsakale and City President Harish Tawari for forming the alliance without central authorization. Following the uproar, the five AIMIM corporators officially withdrew from the Akot Vikas Manch and established an independent faction.

The Congress party has sharply criticized this turn of events, accusing the BJP of double standards. Local Congress leaders claim that the BJP and AIMIM are "two sides of the same coin," arguing that this "indirect alliance" confirms their covert collaboration despite public denials from senior officials. Both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have also condemned the BJP for their partnership in the Akot Municipal Council, questioning its commitment to Hindutva.

Meanwhile, the rejected AIMIM candidate, Taj Rana, has announced intentions to challenge the dismissal of his application in court.

Amid this ongoing saga, the BJP leadership has not yet taken definitive disciplinary measures against MLA Prakash Bharsakale, leaving the political atmosphere in Maharashtra rife with speculation over the so-called "Akot Pattern."