Thane, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a notable political shift within the Ambernath Municipal Council, four councillors from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) have rescinded their support from a BJP-backed coalition and have pledged their allegiance to the Shiv Sena. This strategic move, in conjunction with an Independent member, has allowed the Shiv Sena to attain a decisive majority in the council, significantly reshaping the political landscape just before the elections for critical civic positions.

The NCP councillors expressed discomfort in collaborating with the Congress, a party they have consistently opposed since 2023. Local NCP leaders indicated that the public's preference was for the Mahayuti to assume power post-elections, rather than an alliance with the Congress. This development has intensified pressure on the BJP-led configuration, which had previously allied with Congress and facilitated the induction of expelled Congress councillors into the BJP.

The Ambernath Municipal Council's current composition is as follows: Shiv Sena: 27, Independent (supporting Shiv Sena): 1, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 4, totaling 32 councillors. In contrast, the BJP holds 14 councillors while the Congress has 12.

Initially, it seemed the BJP would secure the Deputy President position in the elections set for Monday, January 12, but the landscape changed dramatically on the final day of group registration when four NCP corporators pledged their support for the Shiv Sena. Consequently, the Shiv Sena's strength surged to 32, enabling them to maintain control over the Deputy President's role and various subject committees.

Although the BJP has claimed the President's position, the Shiv Sena continues to exert influence over the Ambernath Municipal Council following these recent developments.

Earlier, on Thursday, 12 Congress councillors who had joined forces with the BJP were suspended by the Congress leadership. Subsequently, they all aligned with the BJP in the presence of state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.

State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal termed this alliance “unacceptable” and a breach of party ideology. State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan asserted, “The 12 corporators have allied with us not for power, but for the progress of Ambernath. They have faith in the proactive leadership of the BJP-led government to fulfill the promises made to the citizens.”

Conversely, Pradip Patil, former Congress block president, stated, “The state leadership suspended us without even considering our perspective. We established the Vikas Aghadi to liberate Ambernath from years of corruption and intimidation. As our own party did not endorse our local vision, we have chosen the BJP.”

These developments have sparked unease within the Mahayuti alliance. Leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have labeled the action a “betrayal of coalition dharma,” accusing the BJP of utilizing Congress defectors to undermine its ally. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously expressed “strong displeasure” regarding any alliance with the Congress, yet the formal induction of the corporators indicates a modification in the party’s local strategy.