Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a 50-minute meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to address growing tension within the Mahayuti alliance as the state heads toward major local body elections. The discussion focused on increasing internal friction that has emerged despite the alliance’s victory in the Assembly polls, a period Shinde believes should have been politically advantageous rather than turbulent.
Shinde outlined how competitive behaviour among allies has begun to undermine the coalition’s stability. He warned Shah about what he described as “poaching politics,” referring to attempts by some leaders to lure members from partner parties for personal gain. Shinde argued that these activities, along with contradictory public statements and internal point-scoring, risk creating confusion among party workers and offering unnecessary openings to the opposition.
During the meeting, Shinde pressed for disciplinary action against those generating unrest and stressed the need for a unified communication strategy. He said coalition partners must avoid publicly criticising each other and maintain restraint to preserve the Mahayuti’s political momentum. According to sources, he cautioned that needless disputes and irresponsible messaging could weaken the alliance ahead of the elections.
The meeting came a day after an unusual show of dissent from within Shinde’s own Shiv Sena faction. Several Shiv Sena ministers boycotted a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protest what they believe are BJP attempts to attract Sena leaders before the upcoming polls. Shinde was the only Sena representative who attended, highlighting divisions inside the alliance.
Sources quoted by PTI said Shinde reiterated to Shah that, despite a favourable political climate after the 2024 Assembly victory, certain leaders were creating unnecessary disturbances and handing the opposition strategic advantages. He also pointed out that misleading media reports were adding to public confusion and creating uncertainty among party workers.
Maharashtra is now preparing for significant electoral battles, with polls for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats scheduled for December 2. The state is also gearing up for municipal corporation elections likely to take place in January 2026.
