Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed BJP units to immediately withdraw from local alliances formed with the Congress and the AIMIM, calling such arrangements a clear violation of party discipline. He said the party will not tolerate tie-ups made without approval from senior leadership.
The issue surfaced after reports emerged that BJP leaders at the local level entered post-poll alliances with rival parties to form municipal bodies. In one case, BJP councillors reportedly joined hands with the Congress in the Ambernath Municipal Council. In another instance, BJP leaders were said to have aligned with the AIMIM in Akot to gain control of the civic body.
Reacting strongly, Fadnavis made it clear that these alliances go against the party’s ideology and organisational rules. He said any decision involving partnerships with other political parties must receive prior clearance from the central leadership. Acting independently, he warned, amounts to indiscipline.
The chief minister instructed party units involved in such arrangements to end the alliances immediately. He also indicated that the party may take disciplinary action against leaders who ignored official directions and crossed party lines for political convenience.
Fadnavis stressed that the BJP’s political approach must remain consistent across all levels, including municipal and local bodies. He said short-term political gains cannot justify compromising party principles or confusing voters.
The development has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of double standards. However, Fadnavis maintained that the party’s focus remains on internal discipline and clarity in political strategy.
Senior BJP leaders said the directive sends a strong message to grassroots units to follow party guidelines strictly. They added that maintaining ideological consistency is crucial, especially ahead of upcoming political challenges in the state.
