A senior Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra minister has made a significant statement, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in the state solely due to the rebellion led by Eknath Shinde in 2022. The remarks have stirred the political waters within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Minister's Direct Rebuttal to BJP Colleague
Shambhuraj Desai, the state's Tourism Minister and guardian minister of Satara, directly countered claims made by his BJP cabinet colleague. The exchange occurred during public events over the weekend. Desai was addressing a gathering on Saturday in Marali, located in the Patan tehsil of Satara district.
His comments were a pointed response to BJP's Skills Development Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha. At an event in Mumbai on Friday, Lodha had stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis controls all political parties in Maharashtra. Lodha praised Fadnavis for standing with the BJP during difficult periods and claimed the current scenario is one where the CM leads not just his party but others as well.
The Core of the Political Argument
Desai contested this narrative firmly. He reminded everyone that before the rebellion, the Shiv Sena was already part of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government. "There was no necessity for us to leave," Desai stated, emphasizing that his faction did not revolt out of political compulsion.
He challenged Lodha's perspective on power dynamics. "We never even considered whether we could secure a majority and form a government after Eknath Shinde's revolt. Lodha should reflect on this. As he mentioned, the BJP was not sufficiently powerful," Desai argued, highlighting the BJP's perceived weakness before the political realignment.
Crediting Shinde's Decision for BJP's Resurgence
The minister then elaborated on the pivotal role of the 2022 revolt. He explained that Eknath Shinde's decision to rebel was aimed at restoring the original BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, which had collapsed after the 2019 assembly elections.
"The BJP, which was previously out of power, subsequently returned to office and gained a significant share of authority. Alternatively, it is fair to say that Shinde's rebellion was instrumental in helping the BJP regain its strength," Desai concluded. This framing positions the current government as a direct consequence of the Shiv Sena split, not pre-existing BJP dominance.
Reactions from Within the Alliance
Lodha's initial statement had drawn sharp reactions not just from opposition camps but also from allies within the Mahayuti alliance. Sanjay Gaikwad, a senior Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA, echoed Desai's sentiment. He stated clearly that the BJP is in power in Maharashtra because of the revolt led by Eknath Shinde.
Gaikwad clarified his party's stance, saying, "Our party works independently under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. Lodha may have made his personal remarks. Our party runs only on directions issued by Shinde. Our principles are different from other parties." This underscores the ongoing negotiation of power and credit within the coalition, where the Shinde faction asserts its kingmaker role.
The public exchange between ministers from the two key alliance partners reveals the underlying tensions and the contest over the narrative of who holds the reins of power in Maharashtra. It highlights the fragile balance within the Mahayuti government, where the contribution of each partner remains a topic of debate.
