Political tensions in Maharashtra have escalated dramatically as Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat launched a blistering verbal assault on BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan during a rally in Nanded district. The confrontation comes amid growing friction between the two ruling alliance partners ahead of crucial local body elections.
Explosive Allegations at Bhokar Rally
During a political gathering at Bhokar in Nanded district on Tuesday night, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat made sensational claims about Ashok Chavan's wealth. The Shiv Sena leader questioned the BJP MP's financial status with provocative rhetoric, asking whether Chavan consumes currency notes instead of the traditional Maharashtrian bread.
"I wonder if Ashokrao eats bhakri or currency notes. Why does Ashokrao need so much money?" Shirsat posed these questions to the assembled crowd, creating a stir in political circles. The minister didn't stop at targeting the sitting MP but extended his criticism to Chavan's late father, former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan.
Legacy of Broken Promises
Shirsat reminded the audience of the elder Chavan's ambitious vision for Nanded's development. "He used to claim Nanded would be transformed into London. I have visited Nanded multiple times. Forget the city, even Bhokar, his own hometown, remains in a bad shape to this day," the minister stated emphatically.
The minister accused Ashok Chavan of serious urban planning mismanagement, alleging that public roads were marked at the cost of open spaces and official layouts. These development failures, according to Shirsat, demonstrate the Chavan family's poor track record in delivering on their promises to constituents.
Chavan's Dismissive Response
Ashok Chavan responded to the allegations by labeling them as "irresponsible" and politically motivated. Speaking to media representatives in Nanded, the former chief minister dismissed Shirsat's comments as election-season rhetoric designed to create divisions among voters.
"He has come here during the polls merely to pass time and divide votes. There is no basis for his comments, and such language does not suit a person holding a responsible post," Chavan countered. The BJP MP suggested the timing of these allegations was strategically planned to influence the upcoming local body elections.
Broader Political Context
The verbal confrontation occurs against the backdrop of increasing strain within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance. Earlier, Shiv Sena MLC Hemant Patil had directly blamed Ashok Chavan for the breakdown of the alliance ahead of local polls, indicating deeper structural issues within the coalition.
Adding to Chavan's political challenges, his arch-rival Pratap Patil Chikhalikar, the NCP MLA from Loha, has also intensified attacks against him. This multi-front political pressure creates a complex scenario for the BJP leader as the state prepares for crucial local elections that could reshape political equations.
The public nature of these allegations and the personal attacks mark a significant escalation in tensions between alliance partners, raising questions about the stability of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra. Political observers are watching closely to see how these developments will impact both the upcoming local body polls and the long-term dynamics of the state's political landscape.
