24 May 2024: Following the conclusion of Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections, internal discord has surfaced within the Mahayuti alliance, starting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Party leaders, including MP Gajanan Kirtikar, face accusations from their own ranks. Shiv Sena’s disciplinary committee is reviewing complaints against Kirtikar, accused of anti-party activities by Shishir Shinde, a senior party member.
BJP’s Involvement and Allegations
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP leader Pravin Darekar has accused Kirtikar of attempting to manipulate the election process in favor of his son, Amol Kirtikar, a candidate for the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction). Darekar alleges that Gajanan Kirtikar planned to secure a ticket from Shinde’s Shiv Sena and then withdraw his candidacy at the last moment to benefit his son.
Shinde Sena’s Internal Disputes
Shishir Shinde’s letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticizes Gajanan Kirtikar for his alleged pro-Thackeray faction stance, especially during the crucial fifth phase of polling. The letter highlights Kirtikar’s wife’s alleged disparaging remarks about the Chief Minister, exacerbating intra-party tensions. Gajanan Kirtikar, however, denies any wrongdoing and plans to meet the Chief Minister to present his side of the story.
Accusations Against Ajit Pawar’s NCP
Further complicating matters, Shinde Sena’s candidate from Maval, Srirang Barne, has accused Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction of not supporting him during the elections. Barne claims he has submitted a list of non-cooperative NCP leaders to Pawar. In response, NCP’s MLA Sunil Shelke has dismissed Barne’s allegations, suggesting that Barne is trying to deflect blame for his own electoral shortcomings.
Milind Deora’s Exit from Congress
In another development, Milind Deora, who recently joined Shinde’s Shiv Sena, revealed that he left Congress due to pressure from Uddhav Thackeray to vacate the South Mumbai seat for the Thackeray faction. Deora emphasized his contentment with his new political alignment, appreciating Shinde’s leadership.
Conclusion
The internal strife within Mahayuti, fueled by accusations and counter-accusations, underscores the fragile nature of political alliances in the aftermath of intense electoral battles. As the alliance navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of its internal dispute resolution mechanisms will be put to the test.
