Maharashtra’s political storm deepens as BJP and Shiv Sena clash over defections
Political tensions in Maharashtra have risen as the BJP and Shiv Sena factions trade accusations over possible politico defections. Sanjay Raut, a senior leader from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), has claimed that 35 MLAs from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp could soon join the BJP. Meanwhile, Shinde has dismissed any talk of poaching by the BJP, calling the allegations baseless.
The dispute began when Sanjay Raut alleged that the BJP was actively working to lure MLAs from Shinde’s faction. He specifically named Ravindra Chavan, the Maharashtra BJP president, as the key figure behind efforts to target legislators, particularly in the Kalyan-Dombivali region. Raut also suggested that Shinde’s frequent visits to Delhi were attempts to prevent his own party from collapsing.
The BJP’s strategy appears to involve convincing enough Shinde-led MLAs to switch sides, allowing the party to bypass anti-defection laws and form its own government. Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, is reportedly leading this effort. However, Chavan has stated that the BJP intends to keep the Mahayuti alliance intact until at least December 2, 2023.
Raut has predicted a surge in political activity in the coming days, warning of a major upheaval after the local body elections. Chavan, meanwhile, has hinted at a 'political earthquake' once the polls conclude.
The claims and counterclaims highlight deepening divisions within Maharashtra’s ruling coalition. If defections occur, the BJP could gain the numbers needed to form a government without Shinde’s faction. For now, both sides remain locked in a war of words, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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