The ruling alliance in Maharashtra is witnessing growing tensions, with the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at odds over multiple issues.
The latest controversy has emerged over a public meeting, or ‘Janta Darbar,’ organised by Ganesh Naik, a leader from the BJP, in Thane, a stronghold of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Large posters and banners announcing the event have been placed across the city, which many view as a direct challenge to Shinde’s authority.
Ganesh Naik had earlier held a similar gathering in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, which also falls within Thane. While Naik has downplayed the political significance of these meetings, stating that they aim to address public grievances, the move has stirred unease within Shinde’s camp.
Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, a member of Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, has tried to dismiss concerns, saying there is no reason to object if people are meeting their leaders.
The tensions over the Thane townhall stem from an old rivalry between Shinde and Naik. Before Shinde broke away from the undivided Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray, he had long competed with Naik, who was then with the undivided NCP under Sharad Pawar.
Both leaders have sought to dominate politics in Thane and Navi Mumbai, and although they are now allies, their rivalry appears far from over.
The growing friction within the Mahayuti alliance was further highlighted when Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a strong warning last week, declaring, "Do not take me lightly."
His statement was seen as a response to critics and those within the alliance who may be undermining him. Shinde also reminded political observers of his key role in bringing down the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022, implying that he still holds significant influence in the state’s politics.
The power struggle between Shinde’s faction and the BJP has been evident since last year’s Assembly elections when disagreements over the Chief Minister’s post created tensions.
Shinde’s camp believed he had earned the position due to the public response to his governance, but the BJP was not entirely in agreement.
Another major source of discontent has been the recent security downgrade for 55 MPs and MLAs from Shinde’s faction. Their ‘Y’ category security cover was withdrawn or downgraded after an evaluation, which the BJP claimed was a routine procedure. However, Shinde’s allies perceived it as a deliberate move to diminish their standing.
Further disagreements have emerged over key appointments, including the selection of ‘guardian ministers’ for Raigad and Nashik. These positions are politically significant, especially since Nashik will host the next Kumbh Mela in 2027.
The latest controversy involves allegations of irregularities in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme under Shinde’s previous administration.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into alleged malpractice in the procurement process, particularly concerning demands for money by state-level nodal agencies.
The inquiry has unsettled Shinde’s camp, especially since one of their key leaders, Abdul Sattar, was in charge of the Marketing Ministry at the time.
Despite these tensions, the BJP remains firmly in control of the government. With 132 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly and support from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, which holds 41 seats, the BJP maintains a comfortable majority.
Even without Shinde’s 57 MLAs, the BJP-led coalition would still hold a majority, highlighting the limited leverage that Shinde’s faction has within the alliance.
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