Ambernath Surprise: BJP-Congress Alliance Shakes Maharashtra Politics
In a stunning political development on January 7, 2026, the BJP and Congress have joined forces with Ajit Pawar’s NCP to take control of the Ambernath Municipal Council.1 This rare coalition, named the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, effectively sidelines the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in its own traditional stronghold.
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1. The Election Outcome: A House Divided
The elections held in December 2025 resulted in a fractured mandate, making the “Single Largest Party” irrelevant in the face of the new alliance.
| Party | Seats Won | Role in Council |
| Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) | 27 | Opposition (Single Largest Party) |
| BJP | 14 | Ruling Alliance |
| Congress | 12 | Ruling Alliance |
| NCP (Ajit Pawar) | 4 | Ruling Alliance |
| Independents | 2 | 1 joined Ruling Alliance |
| Total Seats | 60 | Majority Mark: 31 |
2. Key Highlights of the Council Formation
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The New President: BJP’s Tejashree Karanjule Patil won the Municipal President’s post, defeating Shiv Sena’s Manisha Walekar in a closely watched contest.
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The Alliance Strategy: Although the BJP and Shiv Sena are partners at the State and National levels (Mahayuti), local leaders in Ambernath claimed the alliance was necessary to end “corruption and a culture of intimidation” during the Sena’s long rule.
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Majority Strength: The newly formed Ambernath Vikas Aghadi boasts a strength of 32 members, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 31.
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3. Political Backlash & Official Reactions
The move has triggered a “political earthquake” within the Mahayuti alliance and drew sharp criticism from all sides.
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Chief Minister Fadnavis’ Stance: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis (often referred to in news as CM in context of specific leadership) has reportedly rejected the tie-up, warning that “any alliance with Congress will not be accepted” and threatening disciplinary action against local BJP leaders.
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Shiv Sena’s “Betrayal” Cry: Ambernath MLA Balaji Kinikar termed the move “unethical,” accusing the BJP of “stabbing the Sena in the back” while simultaneously campaigning for a “Congress-free India” at the national level.
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Congress’ Ambiguity: While the local unit has joined the front, state Congress leaders claim “no formal proposal” was received, suggesting the tie-up is a local tactical arrangement.
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