Mumbai: The Maharashtra local body elections have triggered a fresh wave of tension within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continue to engage in competitive poaching of each other’s leaders—despite repeated appeals for restraint from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In a move that unsettled the alliance, the BJP recently inducted senior Shiv Sena leader Rupasingh Dhal. Within 24 hours, the Shinde faction hit back by bringing Roshnil Fernandes, a prominent BJP women’s wing leader, into its fold. The Sena has warned that any attempts to break their cadre will be met with “equally strong counteraction.”
Sindhudurg Controversy Adds Fuel to Fire
The situation worsened after former MP Nilesh Rane accused BJP workers in Sindhudurg of distributing money during a live raid. His allegations have sparked a war of words across the political spectrum, with both parties accusing each other of violating electoral ethics. The last two days have witnessed sharp exchanges, further widening the rift between the allies.
Leadership Barbs Intensify
Campaign rhetoric has also turned fiery. Minister Sanjay Sirsat launched a pointed attack on Ashok Chavan, raising questions about financial transactions. Meanwhile, at a public rally in Nashik, Minister Gulab Patil, a key Shinde loyalist, boasted about the “abundance of funds” available in the Urban Development Ministry — a remark interpreted as a subtle jibe at alleged election-related spending.
Responding to such insinuations, BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserted that all major financial decisions are taken jointly by the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers, dismissing suggestions of individual authority.
Alliance Strain Visible Across Districts
Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai revealed that alliance negotiations in Satara collapsed due to repeated delays from the BJP, adding that his party will remain “far more cautious” in future discussions.
