India, Jan. 7 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed the BJP to immediately sever its local alliances with the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in two municipal councils, asserting that such tie-ups were "not acceptable" to the party.

Reacting to alliances formed in Ambernath and Akot ahead of the January 15 municipal council elections, Fadnavis said the BJP would not tolerate partnerships with the Congress or AIMIM. "Alliance with Congress and AIMIM is not acceptable. It will have to be broken. Directives have been issued, and the matter will be looked into. Disciplinary action will be taken if anyone has violated party orders," he said.

Within hours of the statement, the In...