Ambernath: A major political clash between the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP broke out on March 13 , during the first general body meeting of the Ambernath Municipal Council. Despite being allies in the state government, the local leaders of both parties showed big differences over city politics. In an eight-hour marathon meeting, the Shiv Sena used its majority of 32 corporators to reject all development proposals from the 28 BJP corporators, while approving only its own projects.

Council President Tejashree Karanjule had proposed a fair policy to provide Rs 25 lakhs to each of the 59 wards for essential pre-monsoon work like cleaning drains and fixing footpaths. However, Shiv Sena corporators rejected this "equal development" plan. President Karanjule expressed her disappointment, stating, “It is a 'tragedy' that those who call their senior leaders visionary are blocking actual development in the city.”

The BJP leaders reacted strongly, calling this move a ‘sin’ against the citizens of Ambernath and promising to take this issue to the public. BJP corporator Abhijit Karanjule even challenged the Sena, questioning if they would still expect BJP’s support in the upcoming Legislative Council elections if they continued such behavior.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena corporator Abdul Sheikh defended the move, accusing the BJP of "selfish politics." He pointed out past disputes regarding the Vice President’s election and the appointment of nominated corporators. He claimed, “Since the BJP used technicalities to gain power in the past, the Sena decided to oppose their projects in this meeting. Despite the chaos, a Rs 60 lakh project for cleaning the Kailash Colony and Chinchpada lakes was finally approved after officials explained it was a critical administrative requirement.”