Ambernath power tussle continues: After suspended Cong corporators join BJP, NCP leaders switch to Shinde Sena
In an overnight development, all four NCP corporators extended support to Shinde-led Sena. According to sources, a deal was struck that the Sena will support Sada Patil of the NCP for deputy-chairperson’s election to be held on January 12.
The power tussle between the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Ambernath municipal council seems far from over.
Four corporators of Ajit Pawar-led NCP, who had earlier supported the BJP to form a majority in the council house, have shifted to Shinde-led Sena overnight. Both Shinde and Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan come from Thane district, and the local tussle is seen as a spillover of the political rivalry between the senior leaders, which seem to be causing trouble to the alliance.
Ambernath, situated 60 kilometres from Mumbai, hogged national limelight after the BJP formed the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi by joining hands with arch-rival Congress, in a bid to keep the Shinde Sena out of power although they are partners in the state’s ruling alliance. The BJP had won the municipal chairman post but the Sena emerged as the single largest party in the council by winning 27 seats.
The Ambernath alliance had submitted a letter to the Thane district collector on December 31 announcing BJP’s Abhijeet Gulabrao Karanjule-Patil as leader of the group comprising 31 members: 14 BJP, 12 Congress, 4 Ajit Pawar-led NCP, 1 Independent. The Congress suspended all its corporators from the party, all of whom joined the BJP on Thursday. But this move seems to have irked the NCP as it reportedly endangered the party’s claim on deputy chairperson post in the municipal council.
In an overnight development, all four NCP corporators extended support to Shinde-led Sena. According to sources, a deal was struck that the Sena will support Sada Patil of the NCP for deputy-chairperson’s election to be held on January 12. With four corporators extending support to the Sena, the total strength of the party has now reached 31 compared to 27 of the BJP (including chairperson). One independent too is likely to breach earlier commitment and may join the Sena.
NCP leader Aanand Paranjape said that he has lost contact with all four corporators of the NCP. “As far as I know, they were issued whip by the BJP as part of previous Ambernath Vikas Aghadi to vote for Pradip Patil for deputy chairperson post. After that I have not been able to contact them,” he said.
In a press conference on Friday, Shiv Sena leader Gopal Landge said, “An unholy alliance was formed (with Congress) by our ally (BJP) to keep us out of power. Now we are happy to announce that the NCP corporators have returned with us and we have an absolute majority in the House.”
Story continues below this ad
Local Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar targeted the Maharashtra BJP chief, saying the BJP breached the alliance dharma by joining hands with the Congress.
NCP corporator Sada Patil said that he decided to join hands with the Sena after learning that the BJP took suspended Congress corporators in their party. “We think that this move will hurt us. We are in alliance with BJP and Sena in the state government. We have not broken any alliance. We are doing what we think is best for the party,” said Patil.
Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues.
Expertise
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai.
Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands').
Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including:
State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana).
Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides).
Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits.
Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness
Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects.
Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards.
Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra.
He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More
