Political tensions are escalating within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Recent developments have brought to light underlying discord, following a controversial statement by Shiv Sena minister Tanaji Sawant.
Sawant's Controversial Comment
During a recent public event, Tanaji Sawant, a Shiv Sena minister, made a startling admission of his discomfort in working alongside NCP colleagues in cabinet meetings. He revealed that sitting next to them made him physically ill, emphasizing his deep-rooted allegiance to the Shiv Sena and hinting at a long-standing discord with leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party. Sawant's remarks have sparked controversy and drawn reactions from both within the coalition and the opposition.
NCP's Response
In response to Sawant's comments, NCP spokesperson and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Amol Mitkari questioned whether the responsibility of maintaining the coalition's stability rested solely on the NCP. Mitkari suggested that the NCP had been exercising restraint in its criticism to uphold the fragile alliance. His remarks highlight the growing strain within the Mahayuti coalition and suggest a deepening divide between the allied parties. Sawant's remarks have provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties, who have seized the opportunity to criticize the coalition's internal dynamics. The following day, members of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) hinted that the BJP might need to reconsider its alliance with Ajit Pawar's faction, pointing to a potential split within the Mahayuti.
Political Discontent
Clyde Crasto, a spokesperson for the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), interpreted Sawant's comments as a sign that the Mahayuti coalition might no longer view Ajit Pawar's NCP as essential. Crasto underscored existing concerns within the RSS regarding the alliance with Ajit Pawar, suggesting that Sawant's statement had brought these issues to the forefront. He implied that the BJP might soon begin distancing itself from Ajit Pawar as divisions within the coalition continue to widen. The controversy has also led to criticism within the Shiv Sena ranks. Another NCP (SP) spokesperson, Mahesh Tapase, criticized Ajit Pawar for compromising his self-respect by aligning with the coalition. Tapase expressed surprise that Ajit Pawar, once a highly respected figure within the NCP, would sacrifice his integrity for political power. This has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among members of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, further complicating the coalition's internal dynamics.
Tension within NCP
The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar, experienced a significant split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and his supporters broke away to join the Mahayuti coalition. Since the split, the Ajit Pawar faction has secured the party name and clock symbol, but tensions have remained high, with both factions frequently clashing in public. The recent developments suggest that the Mahayuti coalition faces significant challenges ahead, as internal divisions continue to deepen.
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