‘No poaching within Mahayuti’: Eknath Shinde moves to douse row as Sena ministers boycott Cabinet meet
Eknath Shinde’s statement comes against the backdrop of tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, as several leaders switch sides ahead of the upcoming local body polls.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday sought to calm rising tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena, stressing that no leaders or workers from the Mahayuti alliance will be poached by either party ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Shinde’s statement came on a day when most Shiv Sena ministers—except Shinde himself—stayed away from the weekly state cabinet meeting, signalling their displeasure at the BJP’s alleged poaching of Sena leaders.
Addressing the issue, Shinde said, “No party leaders or members will be poached from BJP to Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena to BJP, or within any party in the Mahayuti. Everyone must follow their party’s code of conduct. I have instructed Shiv Sena office-bearers accordingly, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will issue similar instructions to BJP functionaries. All measures will be taken to safeguard the alliance.”
Stressing the need to ensure that the ruling Mahayuti alliance remains intact and strong, Shinde added, “We fought the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together as part of this alliance. Both Devendra Fadnavis and I feel that the upcoming local body elections should not create any friction. Accordingly, we have decided that no leaders from alliance partners will be inducted, and party-switching within the alliance will be barred.”
Shinde’s statements came against the backdrop of recent tensions in key districts such as Thane, where several Sena leaders have reportedly joined the BJP. On November 14, five senior corporators of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation resigned from the BJP to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing dissatisfaction with state BJP President Ravindra Chavan’s alleged arbitrary decision-making and neglect of long-time party workers.
A message to the BJP
Sources said the Sena ministers’ absence from the cabinet meeting on Tuesday was intended as a signal to the BJP over the recent inductions of leaders who had contested against Sena candidates in constituencies such as Aurangabad, Raigad, and others. Sena ministers, including Sanjay Shirsat, Bharat Gogawale, and Uday Samant, were reportedly irked by these moves, which they said violated the “alliance dharma”.
Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse emphasised, “All party leaders and functionaries, from senior to junior levels, must adhere to the alliance dharma. Both parties have agreed not to poach each other’s workers, even as discussions about switching parties continue among some corporators.”
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BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured the alliance was intact. “If there is any discontent within the alliance, the coordination committee of the Mahayuti will look into it,” he added.
During a subsequent meeting with Fadnavis, Sena ministers reportedly discussed the alleged poaching spree led by Chavan. While a BJP source said Fadnavis reminded them that the Sena had also inducted former BJP leaders in Ulhasnagar, he assured them that he would speak to Chavan to stop further poaching.
Apart from Thane, political shifts are reported in Satara, Nashik, and Jalgaon. In Satara’s Patan, Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai faces a challenge from Satyajit Patankar, who switched from NCP (SP) to BJP. In Nashik, the BJP inducted Advay Hire from the Shiv Sena (UBT), potentially challenging Sena minister Dadaji Bhuse, while in Jalgaon, Vaishali Suryavanshi joined the BJP to contest against Sena’s Kishor Patil.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
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Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
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Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
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Experience
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Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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