Rising BJP Influence Sparks Tension for Eknath Shinde: Inside Story of Rift in Maha Vikas Aghadi

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The political dynamics within Maharashtra’s ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are witnessing a sharp shift, as the BJP steadily strengthens its presence across the state. The party’s growing influence has left Eknath Shinde and his faction increasingly uneasy, with BJP actively bringing leaders—some of whom contested elections against Shinde’s supporters—into its fold. Shinde has reportedly expressed his concern over the party’s aggressive strategy.

BJP’s Strategic Ascendancy
Over the last decade, BJP’s calculated strategies have reshaped Maharashtra politics. From Uddhav Thackeray’s defection in 2019 to the 2022 agreement with Eknath Shinde, BJP has steadily consolidated power, creating unease even among allies. The post-2024 Maharashtra Assembly election period, following the MVA’s resounding win, has seen tensions rise between BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. In the recent municipal council elections, BJP further strengthened its position by inducting multiple influential leaders, escalating Shinde’s apprehensions—concerns he reportedly raised directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Rift Emerging Since 2024
During the 2024 Assembly elections, BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP collectively won 235 of 288 seats, leaving the opposition with negligible presence. BJP secured 132 seats, just 12 short of the majority mark. Post-election, disputes emerged between Shinde and BJP over the Chief Minister’s position and the appointment of district in-charge ministers. Over the past year, BJP’s growing clout has continued to unsettle Shinde’s faction, with BJP’s strong performance in municipal elections further straining coalition dynamics.

Municipal Council Elections Highlight Tensions
Shiv Sena perceives BJP’s moves as attempts to undermine its influence. A recent flashpoint occurred when Kudal MLA Nilesh Rane alleged BJP used money to secure victories in local body elections. Earlier, BJP had rejected Shiv Sena’s proposal to contest the Kankavali municipal council elections jointly, prompting both parties to fight separately. Shiv Sena’s alliance won the council, intensifying friction.

Focus on Shrikant Shinde’s Seat
In Kalyan-Dombivli, BJP and Shiv Sena faced off once again. In November, BJP inducted several senior leaders close to Shinde’s son and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, provoking Shinde’s displeasure. Reports suggest BJP has long had its sights set on the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, with implications for the 2029 general elections. Disgruntled Shinde supporters even boycotted a recent weekly cabinet meeting.

Shinde Takes Complaint to Amit Shah
Tensions escalated when assurances from CM Devendra Fadnavis failed to placate Shiv Sena leaders. Instead, Fadnavis claimed BJP was merely mirroring Shiv Sena’s earlier moves of inducting leaders in Ulhasnagar. Subsequently, Shinde traveled to Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lodge complaints. Despite this, BJP continued inducting more leaders from Shinde’s faction, including those who had contested against Shiv Sena ministers in past elections, fueling fears within Shinde’s camp that BJP is strategically positioning itself for the 2029 Assembly elections.

Political Implications Ahead
Although Fadnavis and Shinde publicly praise each other, tensions between Maharashtra BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction continue to rise. Political analysts predict that after the upcoming BMC elections, the strain may increase further. If BJP emerges as the largest party, it could reshape power equations within the state government, leaving Shinde facing a more challenging political landscape.