Ganesh Naik Warns Eknath Shinde: “Name and Existence Could Be Erased” in Thane

Mumbai/Thane: BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Ganesh Naik issued a sharp warning aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, without naming him directly. Speaking in Thane, Naik said that if the BJP leadership allowed him to operate freely, the political existence of the Shiv Sena chief could be completely wiped out.

The statement comes amid a long-standing rivalry between Naik and Shinde over political influence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, particularly in Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. Naik’s remarks follow recent municipal election results, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the Mahayuti alliance’s strategy.

Where and How It Was Said
Naik made these comments while visiting a Ganesh Mandal in Thane, considered a stronghold of Shinde. He said:

“If BJP permits, his (Shinde’s) name and existence could vanish. I am repeating this clearly.”

Naik emphasized that the BJP is a disciplined party and its members follow directives even if they personally disagree. He noted that BJP workers have maintained party discipline during contentious situations, choosing compliance over confrontation.

Criticism of Shinde’s Municipal Claims
Referring to Shiv Sena’s claims over municipal strongholds, Naik said, “No stronghold belongs permanently to anyone. When I was in another party, we had mayors in Navi Mumbai and Mira-Bhayandar. Thane slipped away, but we won district bank and district council seats.” He also criticized the Mahayuti alliance’s handling of recent civic elections, suggesting that municipal positions should reflect the number of councillors a party holds, rather than pre-decided seat sharing.

Navi Mumbai Seat Allocation Dispute
Naik mentioned that Shiv Sena had demanded 57 seats in Navi Mumbai, while his allies were willing to allocate only 20–22. Negotiations continued until the last day, after which both parties submitted their forms. He also stated that he informed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the situation, but no final decision was made, and he had neither received approval nor rejection.

Shinde Faction Responds
Shinde’s camp quickly retaliated. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated:

“No matter what is said, Eknath Shinde is strong. Thane is a Shiv Sena stronghold, and Shinde, along with Shrikanth Shinde, has strengthened it. Talking is easy, but Shinde has proven himself in both assembly and municipal elections. Shiv Sena remains the second-largest party in the state.”