Discontent reported in Mahayuti post Lok Sabha elections

Just a day after the end of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, internal strife has erupted among the allies of the NDA-led grand alliance. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's candidate from Maval Lok Sabha constituency Srirang Barne has accused some of Ajit Pawar's workers. The leading NCP did not campaign for him as part of the coalition.

Responding to this, NCP MLA Sunil Shelke said that Srirang Barne should not accuse or criticise office bearers of our party to hide his failure. Shelke said, 'Barne should accept the fact that there is discontent among the voters against him. However, they should not forget that the Ajit Pawar camp of NCP has worked hard for them.

Similarly, in Mumbai North-West Constituency, the leaders of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp are showing displeasure due to indirectly favouring Uddhav Thackeray camp. Shiv Sena deputy leader Shishir Shinde has written a letter to party leader and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanding the immediate expulsion of senior party leader former MP Gajanan Kirtikar from Shiv Sena for making anti-party statements.

Shishir Shinde has written in his letter that Shiv Sena leader and former MP Gajanan Kirtikar and his wife have sided with the opposition party Uddhav Thackeray group by making anti-party statements on the day of the fifth phase of polling in the state. He has requested the chief leader of the party to show the way out of the party to those who bow before Matoshree.

He said that Gajanan Kirtikar's son Amol Kirtikar has been nominated by the Thackeray group from North-West Mumbai Lok Sabha constituency. Amol is using his father Gajanan Kirtikar's office. Shishir Shinde has alleged that Gajanan Kirtikar is with CM Shinde, but his MPLAD funds were used by Amol Kirtikar for development works in his area. This led to discontent in the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, as it benefited the Thackeray camp. According to Shishir, Gajanan Kirtikar's wife sided with the Thackeray faction by insulting the Chief Minister on the second day of polling.