Internal tensions within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition have erupted into public view, with a senior Shiv Sena leader issuing a sharp warning to the state's BJP president. Social Justice Minister and Shiv Sena politician Sanjay Shirsat, on Thursday, directly blamed Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan for creating fissures within the alliance and cautioned that continued interference would invite "equal and opposite" retaliation.
Accusations of Unilateral Actions and Poaching
Addressing the media in Mumbai, Minister Shirsat launched a scathing attack on Ravindra Chavan's functioning. He accused the BJP state president of acting unilaterally and focusing on unsettling Shiv Sena cadres rather than strengthening the coalition across Maharashtra. "Ravindra Chavan barely steps out of Kalyan-Dombivli. As BJP's state president, he should be touring Maharashtra," Shirsat stated. He further alleged, "Instead of trying to poach office-bearers from alliance partners' party, he should focus on the organisational work of his party. If our workers are disturbed, we will respond in the same manner."
Shirsat squarely held Chavan's actions responsible for the growing unease within the Mahayuti, which includes the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). He invoked the principle of action and reaction, warning that attempts to weaken the alliance would backfire. The minister urged senior BJP leaders to control their state chief, suggesting he should at least heed the advice of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Breach of Code and Bitter Civic Polls
The minister shed light on the breakdown of a pre-poll agreement meant to maintain harmony. He revealed that ahead of the recent civic polls, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar had agreed on a code of conduct barring alliance partners from inducting each other's members. However, this arrangement was derailed by delays and insistence on local-level decisions for alliances.
"Some insisted that local functionaries should decide on alliances, and that is why we now see candidates of partner parties pitted against each other everywhere," Shirsat explained. He lamented the unprecedented acrimony, stating, "Never before have municipal elections been so acrimonious." He expressed concern that the damaged political atmosphere, marked by exorbitant spending and aggressive criticism, would negatively impact the upcoming zilla parishad and municipal corporation polls.
BJP's Rebuttal and the Future of Mahayuti
In response to the allegations, BJP MLC Sanjay Kenekar offered a different perspective. He claimed Minister Shirsat's statements arose from a misunderstanding. "BJP did not go to anyone's house to request him/her to join our party," Kenekar said. He argued that there was no harm if capable candidates, after quitting an alliance partner's party, chose to join the BJP, adding that it was preferable to them switching over to the opposition MVA. He reaffirmed that "Mahayuti is a family."
Despite the internal friction, Shirsat claimed that public support remains with the Mahayuti, while the opposition MVA and INDIA bloc have lost relevance. However, he issued a stark warning about the alliance's future if the infighting persists. "If this continues, future elections may have to be fought independently," he cautioned. He also slammed the opposition, noting that the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Sharad Pawar camp, and Congress were barely visible during the polls, concluding that "the real contest was within Mahayuti."
