Akola, Jan. 14 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (MIM) have successfully consolidated power in the Akot Municipal Council of Akola district during the second phase of their alliance, following an earlier failed attempt.

The development came after the selection of a nominated councillor, which effectively strengthened the BJP-MIM alignment.

MIM proposed the name of Jiten Barethia, son of former municipal president and BJP district member Ramchandra Barethia, for the nominated councillor post.

His appointment led to internal dissent within the MIM.

According to sources, at the time of forming the MIM group, assurances were reportedly given that no non-Muslim candidate would be nominated. ...