Mumbai: Amidst concerns of ditching by the BJP amid the Supreme Court's threat of disqualification, Shiv Sena's Shinde faction MLAs have raised objections to the BJP's inclusion of the NCP MLAs led by Ajit Pawar into the current government.
The Shinde Sena had subverted the Udhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government to form the present government in Maharashtra in alliance with the BJP.
The increased dissension among the Shinde Sena leaders and MLAs stem from the concerns that if the court ruling went against them, the BJP could likely run the state government with the NCP MLAs, effectively abandoning the Shinde Sena.
The rebellious voice within the party prompted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to take note. This development has led to growing instances of dissent within the party, prompting Shinde to call for an urgent meeting of party leaders and legislators.
The dissenting voices reached a crescendo when Shiv Sena minister Shambhujraje Desai openly questioned the necessity of inducting the NCP faction into the government. In a bold statement, Desai declared that if the Shiv Sena chief, Uddhav Thackeray, were to reach out to them with a proposal, they would respond positively. Desai's remarks, though hypothetical, have further fuelled speculations of internal rifts within the Shiv Sena.
Sources confirmed that CM Eknath Shinde has scheduled a meeting at his official residence, Varsha Bungalow, on Wednesday evening to address the concerns surrounding the entry of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP legislators into the government. The meeting is expected to provide a platform for party leaders and MLAs to discuss the issues and find common ground.
In a separate gathering, the Shiv Sena core committee convened at Minister Deepak Kesarkar's Ramtek bungalow to deliberate on the matter. Sources revealed that several MLAs and ministers voiced their discontent during the meeting, expressing reservations about the recent Cabinet expansion and its potential ramifications.
Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat raised a poignant question, pondering the purpose of being in power if "everything has to be sacrificed." Shirsat's statement reflects the frustration felt by some members who believe that compromises made for the sake of coalition politics may compromise the party's principles and agenda.
Another MLA, Bharat Gogawale, acknowledged the discontent within the Shinde-led Sena but urged party members to accept the reality. Gogawale drew an analogy, stating, "While earlier we would have received one full bread, now we will have to be satisfied with half, and those who were going to get half will have to settle with a quarter of it."
The dissenting voices within the Shiv Sena are demanding clarity and reassurances from Chief Minister Shinde and party leadership. The legislators seek answers regarding how the dynamics will work following the Cabinet expansion. They emphasize the importance of justice and appeasement to ensure the smooth functioning of the government.