A conflict has erupted between the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) over the recruitment of local leaders ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Upset with the BJP's aggressive induction of Shiv Sena leaders, Shiv Sena ministers boycotted Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to express their displeasure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reprimanded them, saying Shiv Sena had started the politics of “poaching” first. To prevent further disputes, it was agreed that both parties would stop admitting each other’s workers. A discussion on this issue was held between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Revenue Minister and BJP election in-charge Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Tensions have been rising between BJP state president Ravindra Chavan and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. In the run-up to municipal elections, the BJP has inducted several prominent Shiv Sena leaders in Thane district. The dispute intensified when three former corporators from Kalyan-Dombivli, including Shinde aide Mahesh Patil, joined the BJP on Tuesday. This growing trend across the state has created unease within Shiv Sena. Ministers are also unhappy that their departments are not receiving funds, their proposals are stuck, and development works are being delayed.
Before the weekly cabinet meeting, Shiv Sena ministers held a separate meeting chaired by Eknath Shinde. Many ministers strongly criticised BJP state president Ravindra Chavan’s divisive politics in Kalyan-Dombivli, and complained that Shiv Sena leaders at the local level were being pressured or enticed to join the BJP. Except for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, all Shiv Sena ministers stayed away from the cabinet meeting in protest. While the cabinet meeting continued, the Shiv Sena ministers sat in an adjoining hall.
After the meeting, Shiv Sena ministers met Chief Minister Fadnavis to convey their displeasure and complained about Chavan’s behaviour. Fadnavis reportedly scolded them, asking whether Shiv Sena had consulted him when it broke away former BJP MLAs.
Shiv Sena’s Clarification:
Later, Industries Minister Uday Samant and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse denied that there was any boycott of the cabinet meeting. Samant said some ministers could not reach on time, and the situation was misunderstood. Eknath Shinde later stated that to protect the Mahayuti alliance, both parties have agreed not to admit workers from each other’s parties and that instructions have been issued accordingly.
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