Suspended Congress members switch sides reshaping local politics
January 8, 2026: Twelve newly elected councillors of the Ambernath Municipal Council suspended by the Congress for aligning with the BJP have formally joined the saffron party. Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan said the move was driven by a commitment to development and confidence in the BJP led government rather than pursuit of power.
After the December 20 local polls the BJP Congress and Ajit Pawar led NCP formed the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi sidelining ally Shiv Sena which emerged as the single largest party. The alliance secured a majority with 32 councillors crossing the required mark of 30 in the 60 member council. Shiv Sena won 27 seats while BJP Congress and NCP together gained control.
The Congress suspended its 12 councillors and the block president following the tie up. Shiv Sena has termed the development a betrayal of coalition dharma while Shiv Sena UBT accused the BJP of double standards. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said alliances against party policy would not be tolerated and disciplinary action would follow.