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The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be turbulent, with tensions rising within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprised of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This escalating drama was ignited by a controversial statement from Shiv Sena minister Tanaji Sawant, who expressed his disgust towards his NCP colleagues during cabinet meetings.
During an event on Thursday, Sawant, a staunch Shiv Sainik, declared that he feels like vomiting after sharing a cabinet table with NCP members. He emphasized his long-standing aversion to the NCP, stating, “Even if we sit next to each other in the cabinet, I feel like vomiting after coming out.” This statement has not only brought to light the simmering tensions within the alliance but has also fueled criticism from the opposition.
Amol Mitkari, an NCP spokesperson and Member of Legislative Council (MLC), strongly condemned Sawant's remarks, questioning if it was solely his party's responsibility to maintain the fragile coalition. He stated, “We are quiet only to maintain the coalition dharma.” Sawant's comments have served as ammunition for the opposition, with the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP (SP) seizing the opportunity to call for the BJP to expel Ajit Pawar's NCP from the Mahayuti.
Clyde Crasto, a spokesperson for the NCP (SP), interpreted Sawant's remarks as a clear indication of the Mahayuti's waning need for Ajit Pawar's NCP. He highlighted that concerns about aligning with Ajit Pawar had been voiced even within the RSS, and Sawant's statement has brought these internal tensions to the forefront. Crasto declared, “The time has come when the BJP will, slowly but steadily, throw Ajit Pawar out of Mahayuti. All is not well and cracks are getting bigger by the day. It is time for Ajit Pawar to wake up and smell the coffee.”
Another NCP (SP) spokesperson, Mahesh Tapase, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Ajit Pawar has compromised his self-respect in his pursuit of power, and discontent within the ranks of the Shinde-led Sena regarding the alliance with the NCP is growing. Tapase stated, “I never imagined that Ajit Dada, who once commanded immense respect within the NCP, would compromise his self-respect for power.” The rift within the NCP emerged in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with MLAs loyal to him, broke away from the party to join the Mahayuti. This led to the Ajit Pawar faction securing the party name and its clock symbol, leaving both factions engaged in a bitter power struggle.
Sawant's incendiary statement has undoubtedly exacerbated the existing tension within the Mahayuti coalition. It remains to be seen whether the BJP will heed the demands of the NCP (SP) and sever ties with Ajit Pawar's NCP, or if the coalition can somehow weather this storm. The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be a dynamic and unpredictable arena, and the future of the Mahayuti alliance hangs precariously in the balance.