The BJP-led NDA government takes office for the third consecutive term in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already allocated the ministries. Meanwhile, reports of discontent in Maharashtra are surfacing within the BJP's allies, Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). These factions are reportedly upset with the lack of representation in the Modi cabinet and have started making overt statements. They accuse the BJP of 'partisan' behavior toward other constituents of the NDA.
Leader of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, Shrirang Barne, stated, 'Our party contested 15 seats, winning 7. We should have been awarded a cabinet minister's post along with a state minister's post. Barne further noted that the Janata Dal (Secular), with two MPs, has been given a cabinet spot for H.D. Kumaraswamy. Similarly, the sole MP from Hindustani Awam Morcha (Jitan Ram Manjhi) was appointed a Cabinet Minister. With a strike rate in consideration, our party definitely deserved a cabinet berth and one state minister's role. Likewise, Ajit Pawar's NCP was also entitled to a cabinet position. Barne has won the Lok Sabha elections from Pune's Maval constituency for the third time, defeating the candidate of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT).
'BJP is treating us unfairly'
Barne expressed, 'As the Maharashtra state elections are just three months away, the BJP could have offered Shiv Sena a cabinet and a state minister post. He said, 'The BJP contested 28 seats but managed to win only 9 while Shinde's Shiv Sena won 7 out of the 15 seats contested. Shiv Sena is considered BJP's old ally, but it seems the BJP is treating us unfairly.'
'With the upcoming assembly elections in mind, we demand justice for Shiv Sena. We were hopeful for a cabinet and a state minister post. 61 leaders of BJP and 11 from the alliance parties have been sworn in. We have presented this issue before our party leader Eknat...
