Buzz Over BJP‑Congress Alliance in Ambernath Stirs Political Uproar

January 7, 2026

An unexpected political development in Maharashtra’s Ambernath Municipal Council has set off a political storm after reports emerged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress had joined hands to form a majority in the civic body. The apparent alliance helped BJP leader Tejashree Karanjule secure the mayoral post, with the coalition enjoying support from councilors of BJP, Congress and the Ajit Pawar‑led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This unusual pairing of traditional political rivals has surprised observers and sparked debate across political circles.

Political Uproar and Backlash

The move drew sharp criticism from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), a key BJP ally in the state government. Shiv Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar denounced the tie‑up as an “unholy and opportunistic alliance”, saying the BJP’s partnership with the Congress betrayed the party’s long‑held stance of a “Congress‑free India.”

The alliance also exposed tensions within the Mahayuti coalition, with many questioning its cohesion and future stability.

BJP Leadership Denies Formal Approval

Amid the controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis publicly rejected the notion of a tie‑up with the Congress or other rivals, calling such alliances “unacceptable” and warning that disciplinary action would be taken if local BJP leaders acted without formal authorization from the party leadership.

Fadnavis reiterated that such arrangements were not sanctioned at the state or national level, even as local officials argued that the coalition was formed to ensure governance and stable administration in the civic body.

Broader Political Context

The Ambernath episode comes amid wider local body elections across Maharashtra, where various parties are exploring alliances to secure power at the municipal level. In some cases, unexpected post‑poll alliances have also been reported with other parties, including the AIMIM in Akot, intensifying speculation about shifting political strategies.

While the BJP’s collaboration with the Congress remains confined to this local civic body and is being clarified by both sides, it highlights how local political expediency can sometimes override national party rhetoric and traditional rivalries.