AMBARNATH: Barely six months after Shiv Sena and BJP came together to form the ruling alliance in the Ambernath Municipal Council, fresh differences between the two partners have surfaced over the construction of the municipal council president’s office.The latest flashpoint has once again brought Shiv Sena group leader Rajendra Walekar and BJP group leader Abhijit Karanjule-Patil into confrontation, raising concerns that the uneasy alliance could face renewed turbulence.The controversy revolves around the alleged construction of a new office and meeting hall for the municipal council president Tejashree Karanjule. Walekar has alleged that the work is being undertaken in violation of prescribed norms and without following due procedure, claiming that lakhs of rupees are being spent on the project.Political observers believe the dispute is also linked to earlier disagreements between the two leaders over a controversial cement concrete plot issue and the municipal tender process for development works, where Walekar is said to have faced opposition from BJP members.The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance was stitched together only after months of negotiations following the civic elections. Although Shiv Sena had emerged with a larger number of corporators in AMC election, BJP candidate Tejashree Karanjule-Patil secured the municipal council president’s post by defeating Manisha Walelar, dealing a setback to Shiv Sena, particularly the Walekar camp.The alliance was eventually formalised following intervention by senior leaders from both parties.With tensions resurfacing, political circles are closely watching whether the latest confrontation remains confined to the civic administration or spills over into the functioning of the ruling alliance.Rejecting the allegations on office controversy, BJP group leader Abhijit Karanjule-Patil accused Walekar of attempting to tarnish the image of the municipal council president without any evidence. He said legal action, including a defamation suit, would be initiated against those trying to malign the president’s reputation.
