Mumbai: The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is witnessing a sharp escalation in internal friction as Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena appears to be deploying a sophisticated dual strategy to assert dominance over the BJP in local civic bodies. The recent political manoeuvres in the Kalyan-Dombivli and Ulhasnagar municipal corporations have sent ripples through the ruling coalition, prompting a cautious wait-and-watch approach from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In a move that surprised both allies and opponents, Shinde’s Shiv Sena has secured support from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Kalyan-Dombivli, effectively sidelining the BJP.
By consolidating 62 seats, the Shinde faction is positioned to establish power without relying on its primary senior partner, the BJP. This shift has not only sidelined the BJP but also served as a strategic blow to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).
Similar tactics are unfolding in Ulhasnagar. Under the leadership of Shinde Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, the party is actively courting independent corporators and two members of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). With both the BJP and Shinde Sena currently tied at 37 seats each, Shinde is pushing to reach the magic figure of 40 to install a Shiv Sena Mayor, potentially leaving the BJP in the lurch.
Political analysts suggest these moves are a direct tit-for-tat response to recent events in Ambernath and Badlapur. In Ambernath, the BJP had reportedly aligned with Congress corporators to secure the presidency, keeping the Shinde faction at bay. Shinde responded by aligning with Ajit Pawar’s NCP to secure the vice-presidency. The current aggressive posturing in KDMC is seen as a strategic repayment for the BJP’s previous manoeuvres.
Responding to Shinde Sena’s tactics, BJP leader Pravin Darekar issued a stern reminder of the party’s strength. “The BJP is a massive organisation rooted in the people. Political games and manoeuvres by leaders are secondary to us,” he stated. He added a pointed warning: “Maharashtra knows what happens when Devendra Fadnavis makes a move. If he could politically outmanoeuvre Sharad Pawar, then others should consider carefully before playing games against him.”
The unfolding drama has also drawn comments from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described the developments in Kalyan-Dombivli as unfortunate but hinted at future repercussions for the Shinde-MNS alliance.
“Ultimately, the power in Maharashtra rests with Devendra Fadnavis. If he does not approve of these developments, those involved in this support drama might soon find themselves facing a massive crackdown (sase-mira),” Raut remarked.
As the Mahayuti partners continue to jostle for space ahead of crucial local elections, the wait-and-watch strategy of Devendra Fadnavis suggests the BJP may be preparing a counter-move. For now, Eknath Shinde’s dual strategy of localised alliances has successfully put the BJP on the defensive, marking a new chapter of pressure tactics within the ruling alliance.
(IANS)
