The political scenario in Akola’s Akot has become unsettled with the revival of the contentious partnership between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Despite objections from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to dissolve the alliance, the two parties collaborated during the selection of co-opted members for the Akot Municipal Council.
A new chapter of the BJP-AIMIM alliance emerged as all five AIMIM corporators supported Jitesh Barethia, the son of former BJP Municipal President Ramchandra Barethia, for a co-opted corporator position. The AIMIM corporators endorsing Jitesh Barethia include Afreen Anjum Sharifuddin, Dilshadbi Razzaq Kha, Reshma Parvin Mohammad Azim, Dr Yusuf Khan Hadik Khan, and Hannan Shah Sultan Shah.
Initially, the AIMIM had put forward Taj Rana as its candidate, but Rana’s application was rejected due to a late submission. Consequently, Jitesh Barethia, backed by the AIMIM, secured the co-opted corporator seat. This development transpired shortly after the formation of the Akot Vikas Manch by the BJP and MIM, which was disbanded following objections from the state BJP leadership.
The BJP’s tie-up with AIMIM in the Akot Municipal Council has drawn criticism from the Congress party, accusing the BJP of duplicity. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have also condemned the alliance, questioning the BJP’s commitment to Hindutva principles. Meanwhile, the rejected AIMIM candidate, Taj Rana, is contemplating legal action against the rejection of his application.
Despite the unfolding events, the BJP leadership in Maharashtra has yet to take definitive action against MLA Prakash Bharsakale, sparking speculation about the future implications of the “Akot Pattern.”
