Mahayuti Faultlines Surface as Sena MLAs Question BJP’s Dominance

Signs of unease within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance have become increasingly visible, with senior Shiv Sena leaders publicly questioning the BJP’s treatment of its allies and reigniting speculation about the coalition’s internal power dynamics.

The latest flashpoint emerged on Wednesday when Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar openly accused the BJP of sidelining Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction and renewed the demand that Shinde be given an opportunity to lead the state as chief minister for half of the government’s tenure. His remarks, coming despite efforts by the alliance leadership to project unity, have exposed growing resentment among sections of the Sena.

Addressing reporters, Sattar drew parallels with political developments in Bihar and questioned why a similar arrangement could not be considered in Maharashtra. “If the CM can be appointed and then changed in Bihar, why not in Maharashtra? BJP has made Shiv Sena the No. 2 party in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar,” Sattar said.

The remarks came just a day after Sattar reportedly held a three-hour meeting with Shinde, during which the deputy chief minister is believed to have advised him to adhere to the coalition’s ‘dharma’ and avoid publicly targeting the BJP.

While attempting to ease tensions ahead of the upcoming legislative council elections, Sattar announced that his son, Sameer Sattar, would withdraw his independent candidacy against BJP-backed Mahayuti nominee Suhas Shirsat from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat. “Shinde’s orders will be followed for the MLC polls,” he said.

However, even as he pledged loyalty to Shinde’s directives, Sattar added fuel to ongoing discussions about a possible rapprochement between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Referring to growing impatience among legislators, he remarked that party MLAs “were getting restless” and suggested that “a decision should be taken by Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.”

Sattar also issued a broader political warning for the ruling coalition. “There is no opposition in the state and hence, Mahayuti partners are fighting among themselves. What happened to Uddhav Thackeray and Congress in the state, can happen to us too,” he said.

Making a direct case for Shinde’s elevation, Sattar argued that the deputy chief minister had not received due political recognition despite leading the alliance during the 2024 electoral battle. “Injustice has been meted out to Shinde by not making him CM. The 2024 election was fought under his leadership. One leader can be blamed for losing the election, similarly he should be credited for winning it. Our demand is that Shinde be made CM for 2.5 years.”

Sattar’s criticism was echoed by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who alleged that BJP leaders were increasingly interfering in the functioning of alliance partners and restricting the ability of Sena legislators to raise public issues.

Gaikwad claimed that influential BJP ministers were preventing him from raising matters of public concern in the state assembly and shielding vested interests. “Two cabinet ministers were beaten up and even after that, no action was taken,” he alleged.

He also referred to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, suggesting that even the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar could eventually face similar challenges within the alliance. “Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar has also not been given the finance portfolio held by her late husband Ajit Pawar. I fear that just like us, they [NCP] too will be played by the BJP.”

The developments have gained significance against the backdrop of recent speculation over a possible reconciliation between the two rival Shiv Sena factions. 

Although Shinde on Monday sought to dismiss reports of any merger talks following statements made by Sattar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve, the issue resurfaced a day later when the two leaders met and embraced each other on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The political buzz intensified further on Tuesday night when Sattar met Shinde in Thane, after which it was decided that his son would withdraw from the MLC contest.

While Mahayuti leaders continue to publicly maintain that the coalition remains united, the latest statements from Sena legislators have once again highlighted underlying tensions over power-sharing, political relevance and the balance of influence within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.