BJP Chief Aims to Preserve Alliance with Shiv Sena Until December 2 Amid Rift Speculations

Mumbai: Reports of tension between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra have surfaced following allegations by Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane that the BJP was attempting to influence voters through monetary incentives. Responding to the claims, Maharashtra BJP Chief Ravindra Chavan made a significant statement, asserting that he aims to maintain the alliance at least until December 2, ahead of the local body elections.

Ravindra Chavan clarified that the BJP would respond to Nilesh Rane’s allegations at a later stage. The controversy erupted after Rane, a legislator from the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, accused Chavan of distributing money in Sindhudurg district to sway voters prior to the upcoming elections for Kankavali Municipal Council and Malvan Nagar Panchayat. Interestingly, Nilesh Rane and his brother, BJP minister Nitesh Rane, are contesting under separate banners.

Claims and Counterclaims

Nilesh Rane claimed that he conducted a sting operation at the house of a local BJP worker in Kankavali, alleging that the worker was collecting cash to influence voters. He shared a video of the incident on social media and approached the local police to file an FIR.

In response, Ravindra Chavan said, “I intend to preserve the alliance until December 2. I will respond to the allegations later.”

On Wednesday night, Chavan also remarked that the opposition seemed anxious, stating, “They feel the ground slipping beneath their feet. False allegations related to caste certificates have been filed against our candidate.” The history of political rivalry between the families has further complicated the matter.

Political Background

A few years ago, Nilesh Rane had announced his retirement from politics. Then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sent trusted ally and PWD Minister Chavan to convince him otherwise. Last year, Nilesh Rane won as a Shiv Sena MLA, while his younger brother Nitesh Rane became a BJP legislator following the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition’s victory in the 2024 assembly elections.

When asked about Chavan’s comments on the alliance, Shiv Sena MP and Eknath Shinde’s son, Srikant Shinde, said he was unsure and suggested asking Chavan directly whether he intended to continue the alliance.

Legal and Procedural Reactions

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bavanakule emphasized that strict legal action would be supported if cash discrepancies are found at a BJP worker’s residence. However, he questioned the method of conducting a sting operation inside someone’s house. BJP MLA Nitesh Rane dismissed his brother’s allegations, stating that keeping cash at home could simply reflect legitimate business income.

Vijay Kenwadekar, the BJP worker at the center of the allegations, claimed he was being targeted because of his closeness to Ravindra Chavan, and assured full cooperation with the police investigation.

Bavanakule further stated, “The priority is to determine whether the cash is linked to business activities, property transactions, or anything else. The Election Commission and the police will carry out the necessary investigation, and strict legal action will follow if any wrongdoing is found.”