Mumbai: A war of words has erupted between the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, turning into an open poster battle and raising fresh concerns over the stability of Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance.
The tension has intensified after the BJP’s defeat in the Pune and Nagpur graduates’ constituencies in the recent Legislative Council elections. BJP leaders claim that some Shiv Sena leaders did not support alliance candidates properly, while the Shiv Sena says the BJP is trying to cover up its own poll failure by blaming its partners.
The dispute has also been fuelled by an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, alleging a Rs 500 crore payment involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son Shrikant Shinde. The allegation has increased pressure on Shinde, who is also seen as trying to revive the demand for a change of leadership in Maharashtra.
The BJP has reacted strongly, fearing that such demands could weaken its position in the state government, as reported by The New Indian Express.
The fight turned personal when Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar shared an AI-made poster showing BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban as a dog tied with a rope. Ban responded with an image showing Dhangekar as a chameleon surrounded by Congress, Shiv Sena and MNS flags, suggesting that he keeps changing parties.
Earlier, the BJP had called Dhangekar a “Money Strap Brand”. Sena leaders have warned BJP spokespersons against targeting Shinde, while the BJP has demanded action against Sena leaders it accuses of working against Mahayuti candidates.
Worried that the conflict may escalate, Shinde has asked his party leaders to remain calm and avoid public criticism of the BJP. Still, the episode highlights growing distrust between the two allies, who share power in Maharashtra and at the Centre but are increasingly competing for influence.
