Tensions continue to rise in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance, with visible cracks emerging between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and the BJP. The latest dispute centers around Thane, Shinde’s political stronghold, where veteran leader Ganesh Naik’s ‘janta darbar’ has been seen as a direct challenge to his authority.Large hoardings and posters announcing Naik’s public townhall have fueled speculation that a rift within the coalition is widening. While Naik has dismissed any political motives behind the event, stating that it aims to address public concerns, the timing and location suggest otherwise. Thane has long been a battleground for political influence, with both Naik and Shinde competing for dominance over the years.
 

The tensions have been exacerbated by Shinde’s recent warning to rivals, stating, “Do not take me lightly.” His statement, which carried undertones of defiance, was a pointed reminder of his crucial role in the 2022 political upheaval that led to Uddhav Thackeray’s exit from the Maharashtra government. The warning has been interpreted as a message not just to Naik but also to the BJP, signaling Shinde’s dissatisfaction with his diminishing influence in the coalition.
 

Growing Tensions Over Governance and Political Influence

The power struggle within the Mahayuti alliance has been ongoing since Shinde’s unexpected rise to the Chief Minister’s post in 2022. His position was already under threat last year when reports emerged that he might have to step down in favor of Devendra Fadnavis. Since then, tensions between the BJP and Shinde’s Sena have remained high.A key point of contention has been the withdrawal of ‘Y’ category security cover for 55 MLAs and MPs from Shinde’s camp. While BJP sources claim the decision was based on routine security assessments, the move was widely perceived as an attempt to weaken Shinde’s faction.
 

Further friction emerged over political appointments, especially regarding ‘guardian ministers’ for key districts, including Nashik and Raigad. Nashik’s significance is amplified as it will host the Kumbh Mela in 2027, making the ministerial post particularly influential. The BJP’s increasing control over such appointments has left Shinde’s camp sidelined, intensifying the existing tensions.The latest dispute stems from allegations of irregularities in the minimum support price (MSP) process during Shinde’s tenure. The current government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has ordered an inquiry into claims that state agencies responsible for crop procurement demanded bribes from farmers. The investigation, which involves Shinde Sena leader Abdul Sattar, has further soured relations between Shinde’s faction and the BJP, with the former perceiving it as a political attack aimed at weakening their credibility.
 

BJP’s Stronghold and Shinde’s Waning Influence

Despite the growing discord, the BJP remains in control of Maharashtra’s government. With 132 seats in the Assembly and an additional 41 seats from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, the coalition enjoys a comfortable majority. Even if Shinde’s faction, which holds 57 seats, were to break away, the BJP would still retain power with a 28-seat buffer above the majority mark.This dynamic has significantly reduced Shinde’s leverage, limiting his ability to challenge the BJP’s decisions within the alliance. While Shinde continues to assert his position as Chief Minister, the balance of power is shifting increasingly in favor of the BJP.
 

The growing differences within the Mahayuti alliance indicate that Shinde’s influence is gradually diminishing. The BJP’s calculated moves—ranging from security downgrades to inquiries into alleged misconduct—suggest that the party is consolidating power ahead of future elections.While the current political instability is unlikely to disrupt the government’s functioning in the short term, it may shape the future of Maharashtra’s leadership. With multiple points of friction within the alliance, it remains to be seen how long Shinde can hold his ground before being forced into a realignment or an internal restructuring of power.As Maharashtra’s political landscape continues to evolve, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Mahayuti alliance can sustain its unity or if the growing cracks will lead to further political upheaval.