Maharashtra Shock: 12 Congress Leaders Join BJP After Suspension Over Civic Poll Alliance

• Twelve newly elected Congress councillors from Ambernath joined BJP after being suspended by their party.
• The suspension followed their alliance with BJP to form Ambernath Vikas Aghadi (AVA) in the fractured municipal council.
• BJP president Ravindra Chavan stated councillors joined for development, expressing confidence in the Mahayuti government.
• Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) criticized the move as a betrayal, while CM Devendra Fadnavis warned against unauthorized alliances.
• The political shift occurs ahead of elections for 29 municipal corporations, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra sees major political upheaval as Congress leaders defect to BJP post-suspension over civic poll alliance.