Political activity in Maharashtra has intensified significantly these days. Reports of alleged tension between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the BJP have fueled discussions about friction within the Mahayuti alliance. This dispute has provided an opportunity for not only the opposition but also the Shiv Sena (UBT) to launch attacks.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government, stating, “If you plant an acacia tree, where will mangoes come from?”—implying that it is futile to expect positive outcomes from the current ruling alliance. He alleged that a few years ago, these leaders, in collaboration with the BJP, tried to break and weaken the Shiv Sena, but today the situation has reversed, and their political standing is continuously declining.
Anand Dubey also referred to Wednesday’s state cabinet meeting, claiming that all is not well within the ruling party. He stated that several leaders from their own party were absent from the meeting, clearly indicating that cracks within the alliance have deepened. Dubey added that given the current situation, it seems unlikely that this government will achieve any significant accomplishments, and internal differences have now openly surfaced.
Uddhav Faction’s Attack: ‘If you plant an acacia tree…’
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey launched a sharp attack on the Shinde faction, stating that those who were busy breaking their party are now isolated themselves. He reiterated, “If you plant an acacia tree, where will mangoes come from?” Anand Dubey alleged that the Shiv Sena was broken due to the collusion between the BJP and the Shinde faction, and today those very people are falling victim to internal strife and mutual distrust.
He claimed that several ministers from the Shinde camp did not attend the recent cabinet meeting, which is a clear indication that discontent is growing within Shinde’s own team. Anand Dubey also mentioned the Lok Sabha constituency of Shinde’s son and MP, Shrikant Shinde. He alleged that the BJP is attempting to draw leaders from the Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction into its own fold there.
He stated that BJP State President Ravindra Chauhan is active there and is continuously inducting leaders from the Shinde faction into the BJP. According to Dubey, this clearly indicates that the relationship between the BJP and Shinde is no longer as it once was, and competition between the two parties is increasing at the regional level.
Prediction of ‘New Split’ in Shinde’s Shiv Sena
Anand Dubey of the Uddhav faction claimed that a major split is imminent in Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Many leaders might either join the BJP or align with Shiv Sena (UBT). He states:
Many leaders are in contact with us.
- We are verifying their loyalty.
- A large-scale exodus will be witnessed in the future.
He also stated that the Shinde faction is under psychological pressure due to the BJP’s control over investigative agencies. Dubey mentioned that a situation akin to “infighting” is expected within the government before the municipal elections on December 2. The unity of the Mahayuti appears to be continuously weakening, and this has become a major political issue for the opposition.
Congress’s Taunt: ‘Gang War in the Triple Engine Government’
Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal also took a jibe at Eknath Shinde’s displeasure, stating, “This is a triple-engine government, and all three of its engines are running in different directions. Sometimes Shinde gets upset and goes to his village, and sometimes another Deputy CM disappears.” Sapkal said that if Shinde is genuinely displeased, he should resign from power, but this is not possible because he cannot live without power, and thus quietly endures all the pressure from Fadnavis.
