Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance faced internal turmoil as ministers from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena group boycotted a weekly cabinet meeting. The protest was reportedly in response to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) inducting former corporators from the Shiv Sena, particularly in areas considered strongholds of the Shinde faction, ahead of upcoming local body elections. The development has fueled speculation about growing discontent within the coalition.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired the meeting, which saw the absence of most Shiv Sena ministers. While Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended, his ministerial colleagues chose to stay away from the proceedings. Sources indicated that the Shiv Sena ministers later raised their concerns regarding the alleged poaching of party members by the BJP with Chief Minister Fadnavis.
The Shiv Sena faction expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP’s actions, citing the induction of local leaders from Dombivali and other districts as a provocative move. This alleged ‘poaching’ has been described by some in the Shinde camp as an ‘operation lotus’, mirroring similar political maneuvers observed elsewhere.
According to reports, Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the issue, reminding the Shiv Sena ministers that the Shiv Sena itself had initiated similar political recruitment in Ulhasnagar. He stressed that parties within the Mahayuti alliance should cease such activities and foster mutual respect. The Chief Minister is understood to have instructed BJP leaders to halt any further inductions from allied parties.
However, the situation remained tense, with some Shiv Sena ministers reportedly feeling that their party was receiving step-motherly treatment within the coalition government. Allegations were made about inadequate fund allocation for Shiv Sena ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly, and that key decisions were being made without proper consultation. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) was accused of encroaching on the rights of Shiv Sena ministers, despite the party being an equal partner in the government.
The political friction is particularly significant as it comes in the run-up to elections for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats in Maharashtra, scheduled to be held soon. The timing of the dispute has drawn criticism from the opposition, with leaders suggesting that internal squabbles were taking precedence over addressing public issues.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray commented on the developments, stating that such boycotts were “worrisome” and suggested that Eknath Shinde might be experiencing the consequences of his own political strategies. He further alleged that the ministers skipping the cabinet meeting was an insult to Maharashtra and its people, emphasizing that such meetings are meant for resolving public issues, not for handling “petty squabbles.”
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), has been navigating complex political dynamics. While leaders like Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan continued to induct members from other parties, the Shiv Sena ministers conveyed their displeasure to Chief Minister Fadnavis. The dispute highlights the underlying tensions and challenges in maintaining cohesion among the coalition partners, especially in the context of approaching elections.
In a related development, a past invitation from Sharad Pawar to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for a dinner meeting in Baramati was declined by both leaders, citing busy schedules. This particular event, occurring earlier in the year, was separate from the current cabinet meeting controversy but indicated ongoing political maneuvering within Maharashtra.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
