Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally issued a show-cause notice to MLA Prakash Bharsakale for his collaboration with the AIMIM in the Akot Municipal Council located in the Akola district of the Vidarbha region.

This notice follows Bharsakale's decision to form a local political alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

The official correspondence, signed by BJP State President Ravindra Chavan, accuses the MLA of "sabotaging" the party’s foundational values and principles.

As per the notice, Bharsakale purportedly established a tactical alliance with AIMIM in the Akot Municipal Council without prior consultation with party leadership or informing senior members.

The letter states, “By forming an alliance with AIMIM in the Akot Municipal Council during the recent 2025 elections, you have undermined the policies and values of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Furthermore, by doing so without taking anyone into confidence, your actions have tarnished the image of the party.”

The party is seeking an immediate clarification from Bharsakale, instructing him to explain why disciplinary measures should not be undertaken against him for this breach of party ethics.

A copy of the notice has also been forwarded to Harish Tawri, the BJP Mandal President for Akot, for further follow-up.

Prakash Bharsakale is a seasoned politician in the Akola district, serving as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly since 2014 from Akot, and previously held an MLA position from Daryapur. His political journey has seen him transition from the Shiv Sena to Congress, and ultimately to BJP in 2012.

Out of 33 contested seats, the BJP won 11 in the Akot Municipal Council. To strengthen their position, Bharsakale has initiated a new front called the 'Akot Vikas Manch.'

In a surprising development, the AIMIM—who secured 5 seats and was the primary rival of BJP in the Presidential race—has joined this BJP-led alliance.

This coalition also comprises both factions of Shiv Sena (Shinde and UBT), both factions of NCP (Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar), and Bacchu Kadu’s Prahar Janshakti Party.

BJP corporator Ravi Thakur has been appointed as the coalition leader, and a 'whip' has been issued, mandating all members of this eclectic coalition to vote according to BJP directives.

The alliance now commands 25 members, in addition to the President, yielding a total of 26 in a 33-member assembly. The Congress (6) and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (2) will form the opposition.

This alliance has ignited controversy as the BJP and AIMIM are typically viewed as ideological adversaries. Within Maharashtra’s political landscape, the BJP often characterizes AIMIM as a "communal" entity, making any cooperation at the local level a considerable embarrassment for the state leadership. The partnership between BJP and AIMIM has faced criticism from the BJP’s ally, Shiv Sena, and other opposition parties, who contend it reveals a desperation for power.

Shiv Sena MP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, criticized the BJP for "ideological compromises" following the party's recent local alliances with AIMIM in Akot Municipal Council and the Congress in Ambernath Municipal Council.

--IANA

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