Amidst the widespread celebrations within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following its victories in recent local body elections across Maharashtra, a significant note of discord has emerged from a senior party figure. Sudhir Mungantiwar, a former minister and senior BJP leader, has publicly pointed fingers at internal factionalism for the party's disappointing performance in the Chandrapur district.
Allegations of Internal Sabotage and Congress Links
On Sunday, December 22, 2025, Mungantiwar did not mince words as he voiced his grievances. He alleged that a specific section within his own party in Chandrapur has been actively working to diminish his political standing and influence in the region. In a serious charge, he claimed that this internal group's actions were indirectly, or perhaps directly, benefiting the opposition Congress party.
Mungantiwar, who represents the Ballarpur Assembly constituency located within the Chandrapur district of the Vidarbha region, expressed clear frustration. He firmly stated that the primary reason for the BJP's poor electoral outcome in the area was the deep-seated factionalism plaguing the district unit of the party.
Criticism Over Turncoats and Ignored Warnings
Elaborating on the causes of this internal rift, Mungantiwar questioned the party's strategy of inducting political turncoats. "What is the logic behind inducting turncoats into the party?" he asked rhetorically. He argued that such moves empower certain sections to work against the party's collective interest to further their personal agendas.
The senior leader revealed that his concerns and disappointments regarding the situation have been communicated to the party leadership for some time. However, he lamented that these warnings and expressions of discontent were made "in vain," suggesting they were not addressed with the seriousness he believed they warranted.
Chief Minister's Response and Assurance of Support
The public airing of internal discord prompted a swift response from Maharashtra's Chief Minister and senior BJP leader, Devendra Fadnavis. Acknowledging Mungantiwar's stature, Fadnavis sought to calm the waters. "Mungantiwar is our senior leader. We will definitely look into the matter and ensure he gets full support to win the upcoming election to the Chandrapur municipal corporation," Fadnavis stated.
This assurance from the Chief Minister indicates the party leadership's intent to address the grievances and present a united front, especially with crucial municipal corporation elections on the horizon. The response aims to balance internal reconciliation with the immediate political need to secure victories in future polls.
The episode highlights the ongoing challenges of managing internal dynamics and factional interests within major political parties in Maharashtra. It underscores how local-level disputes can spill into the public domain, forcing the central leadership to intervene and mediate to maintain cohesion and electoral focus.
