The Maharashtra municipal elections have transformed political alliances entirely. Former rivals have joined forces, while those formerly united in governance confront each other with corruption allegations and fierce challenges.
After the Maharashtra assembly elections, the stance once shown by Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde is now mirrored by NCP's Ajit Pawar. Although Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is not openly critical like his BJP colleagues, there's a cautionary tone in his words towards Pawar.
The reunion of estranged leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray presents a significant challenge for the Mahayuti, managed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. These local body elections shed light on the Thackeray duo's political prowess.
Eknath Shinde's stance remains somewhat conciliatory towards the BJP, while Ajit Pawar takes a more combative approach, creating a dramatic battleground amid the BMC and municipal elections within Maharashtra's ruling alliance.
Ajit Pawar and BJP at Loggerheads
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, leading NCP, and CM candidate Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena, though partners in Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti with the BJP, engage in fierce barbs and grave accusations during the BMC and municipal election campaigns.
As elections approach, three coalition partners are contesting the BMC and 29 municipal elections independently. Ajit Pawar accused the BJP of extortion, while BJP leaders advise introspection for Pawar against his repeated escalations.
Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan seems aggressive, but former chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule advises against targeting allies during campaigns. Ajit Pawar had to clarify his position after Fadnavis’s statement.
Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule shared that there was a consensus in a coordination meeting that alliance leaders wouldn’t criticize each other publicly... However, Pawar transgressed this understanding... In the future, restraint is advisable.
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Ajit Pawar accused the BJP of corruption in Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad area, claiming the BJP extensively siphoned funds... With alleged evidence of BJP's extortion.
In response, Ravindra Chavan from BJP warned that if exposed, Ajit Pawar would face difficulties. He urged Pawar to self-reflect first. Though considering his allegations typical campaign rhetoric, Chavan branded them entirely unfounded.
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Addressing Pawar's claims in Pimpri-Chinchwad, CM Devendra Fadnavis, refraining from naming him, urged critics to reflect in the mirror before questioning us... Assert your contributions first.
While acknowledging election heat, Devendra Fadnavis added, tempers rise in this political climate... Pawar speaks, and our leader (Chandrakant Patil) responds... The more we rake up the past, the greater the dispute.
Ajit Pawar’s subsequent reaction indicated Fadnavis’s message was received. Pawar claimed, the media distorted my words... I made no allegations... The government under PM Modi and CM Fadnavis is performing well.
3.
Devendra Fadnavis’s ‘Hindu Marathi Mayor’ remark sparked NCP’s discontent. Fadnavis balanced BJP's stance amid the Thackeray brothers’ Marathi mayor pledges, though NCP was displeased.
NCP leader Nawab Malik remarked, the citizens, residing here, will decide the mayor... We don’t politicize religion or caste... People must realize, while some politicize religion or language, our history urges inclusivity.
Pawar Family and Electoral Alliance
Ajit Pawar's friction with BJP stems from several reasons, including Nawab Malik. While senior Pawar’s allegiance with Ajit also influences. Within BJP, demands arose even before assembly elections to sever ties with Ajit Pawar.
Nawab Malik from NCP suggests both NCP workers desire Sharad and Ajit Pawar’s reunion... Ultimately, it’s up to the two leaders... In Pune, both NCP wings join local elections, boosting worker morale... People wish the uncle-nephew duo reunites, as do we.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP contests 92 BMC seats independently outside Mahayuti, while teaming with uncle Sharad Pawar’s party in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, countering BJP.
Nawab Malik being a significant reason for BJP and Ajit Pawar’s clash; with BJP urging Pawar to field someone else instead of Malik in municipal elections, which he resisted. Now, Malik promises to send legal notices to BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Amit Satam post-elections if allegations persist.
BJP leaders denoted not to ally with those linked to terrorists in BMC elections. Malik stated legal notices would follow elections demanding apologies. If ignored, legal actions will ensue.
