New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- In a significant political development in Maharashtra, 12 newly elected Congress councillors of the Ambernath Municipal Council formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) late on Wednesday night. The move follows their suspension from the Congress for aligning with the BJP to seize control of the local body.

Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan announced the induction at the party's Thane office, asserting that the transition was driven by a commitment to development rather than a pursuit of power.

"The people elected these councillors and they had promised development to the citizens. They have come with us because the government is working in a dynamic manner and is capable of delivering justice and dev...