In a dramatic escalation of internal tensions within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance, BJP state president Ravindra Chavan made controversial remarks suggesting that "the person at number two does not have any value" during a campaign rally on Saturday.
Political Bombshell in Vita
The BJP leader delivered his pointed comments while addressing a campaign rally for the Vita Municipal Council election in Sangli district. Chavan carefully avoided naming deputy chief ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde directly, but the target of his statement was unmistakable given the current power dynamics within the state government.
This confrontation comes at a critical moment as the Mahayuti partners are locked in a direct contest in Vita, with the BJP fighting independently against its alliance partners Shiv Sena and NCP. The tense situation reflects broader alliance troubles, with similar confrontations reported in other local body elections across the state.
RR Patil Reference Adds Fuel to Fire
Chavan invoked the memory of former home minister late RR Patil to reinforce his argument about political hierarchy. He referenced one of Patil's last assembly speeches that had gained significant attention in political circles.
"It was one of RR Patil's last speeches, which became quite famous," Chavan told the gathering. "In that speech, he mentioned the importance of the person at the top. Only the person at number one matters. The person at number two does not have any value. I hope the people of Vita will value Patil's words."
The BJP leader then credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the Mahayuti's success, emphasizing that "only Deva Bhau (Devendra Fadnavis) is everybody's brother" and asserting that Fadnavis alone would ensure everyone's growth.
Pattern of Unsettling Statements
This incident marks another chapter in Chavan's history of making statements that create discomfort within the alliance. Recently, while interacting with reporters, the BJP state president made another eyebrow-raising comment about wanting to "save the alliance till December 2" - the date marking the first phase of polling for local bodies in the state.
These repeated statements have sparked widespread speculation about the future stability of the Mahayuti alliance. Political observers are watching closely as the internal power struggle intensifies during the crucial final leg of campaigning for the first phase of local body polls.
The timing of these remarks, coming just before important local elections, suggests a strategic positioning by the BJP within the alliance framework, potentially signaling a shift in the balance of power among the coalition partners.
