Alliance Strains Persist in Maharashtra Despite Amit Shah’s Intervention: BJP Hints at Shinde-Ajit Pawar Dialogue

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s consecutive meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during Shah’s Maharashtra visit, have sparked significant political speculation.

Despite the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the November assembly polls, Shinde reportedly expressed concerns about his party’s perceived marginalization by the BJP and the NCP.  

Unscheduled Meetings Raise Eyebrows

A BJP leader disclosed that Shinde and Shah held a private meeting on Friday, immediately after Shah’s arrival, in addition to their scheduled meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday.

Furthermore, an unplanned meeting occurred on Sunday morning, causing a delay in Shah’s departure from Mumbai.

Concerns Over Alliance Dynamics

Shinde reportedly conveyed concerns about the growing discord between himself, Fadnavis, and Pawar.

The Shiv Sena expressed dissatisfaction over delays in appointing guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik, the Chief Minister’s Office’s alleged interference in their portfolio decisions, and issues with fund allocation.

“The party leadership is upset about the secondary treatment being meted out by alliance partners in the government,” a Shiv Sena leader stated.

The leader highlighted the perception that the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, with 41 assembly seats, is receiving preferential treatment compared to the Shiv Sena’s 57 seats.

The BJP holds the largest share of seats with 132. “Be it budgetary allocations or appointments in legislative committees, the Sena is given secondary treatment.

Files related to funding for constituencies held by Sena legislators are routinely deferred, and we are worried about sharing of power in statutory boards and corporations,” the leader added.  

Flashpoints and Reactions

The withholding of funds for March salaries to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) staff amplified tensions between the Mahayuti allies.

“The part payment of salaries to MSRTC staff caused much embarrassment to the party as our leader Pratap Sarnaik is the transport minister,” a Shiv Sena leader explained.

The appointment of a bureaucrat as MSRTC chairman before Sarnaik, made by Fadnavis, further strained relations. “We believe Shah has told Shinde saheb that he will look into the concerns,” said the leader.  

Dismissing reports of a rift, Shinde told reporters, “Ours is a party that believes in work and not grumbling. Even if there are any issues, we resolve them by discussing within the alliance. There is nothing wrong in meeting Amitbhai, who is the leader of the Mahayuti and the NDA.”  

Defusing Speculation

Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Krishna Hegde echoed Shinde, asserting that there was nothing amiss in meeting the BJP’s central leadership.

“The meeting may have been related to central funding that is routed through the urban development department, which is held by Shinde saheb. There is no rift between the ruling parties or their leaders,” he said.  

Ajit Pawar also denied any issues within the alliance, stating, “All these are rumours. If he has any complaint, he would speak directly to me or the chief minister. We share cordial relations and there is no rift between us. Even Amitbhai did not tell me anything during our meeting yesterday.”

BJP leader Pravin Darekar affirmed that the three ruling parties were collaborating for the public good. “There is no question of any rift between the ruling parties,” he stated.

Raigad’s Guardianship and File Clearance

Amid the political intrigue, sources suggest that discussions between Shinde and Shah may have centered on the guardianship of Raigad and Nashik districts, and the delay in the clearance of Shiv Sena ministers’ files.

The summoning of Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale, a contender for Raigad’s guardian minister post, by Shinde to Mumbai, intensified speculation about potential changes in Raigad’s political leadership.

Shinde, however, downplayed the meeting, “What is wrong in meeting Amit Shah, who is the leader of the NDA and Mahayuti? It was a casual meeting. It’s not necessary that we only talk politics.”

Industries Minister Uday Samant, and BJP MLC Pravin Darekar worked to decrease speculation. Ajit Pawar also said that any issue would have been brought to his or chief minister Fadnavis attention.