The divide between the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the BJP is deepening, with both parties assessing their strength in assembly constituencies across Maharashtra. Tensions escalated after BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed party officials to prepare for local body elections without an alliance. In response, Shinde’s Sena has intensified its efforts, conducting internal reviews of its position in the state.
The Shiv Sena has called a meeting on Tuesday at Worli’s NSCI Dome auditorium, inviting all sitting MPs, MLAs, corporators, office bearers, Vibhag Pramukhs, and Yuva Sena executive members from Mumbai. Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde will chair the meeting, which is seen as preparation for contesting the BMC elections independently. His remarks are expected to clarify the party’s stance.
Meanwhile, Shinde has been focusing on fortifying his party’s organisational structure by holding ‘Abhar Sabhas’ (Gratitude Rallies) across the state.
Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar from Bhandara district confirmed on Monday that the party has directed its leaders to strengthen their hold in respective constituencies and prepare for the possibility of contesting local body elections independently if needed. He revealed that the party aims to increase its voter base by at least 32,000 in each assembly constituency. Bhondekar clarified that these preparations would not impact the state-level alliance and announced two rallies in Vidarbha on February 20, where workers from other parties will join Shiv Sena.
Adding to the discussion, Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat stated that while the party is open to allying with the BJP for local body elections, it is also prepared to go solo in some areas. Responding to Bawankule’s remarks about local workers demanding independent contests, Shirsat said, “If decisions are based on local workers’ demands, an alliance may not happen.”
Meanwhile, a meeting of BJP office bearers from Mumbai, Thane and Konkan was held on Monday at the party’s Mumbai office to discuss the upcoming municipal elections. State president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and state organising secretary Ravindra Chavan were present at the meeting.
After its historic success in the Assembly elections, there is growing support within the BJP to contest independently, rather than as part of the Mahayuti alliance. The issue was discussed in a BJP core committee meeting, with a final decision expected after consultations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Recently, Bawankule hinted at contesting local body elections independently, stressing the need for BJP to control all 36 district councils and 27 municipal corporations. He emphasised that dominating local bodies is crucial for the Mahayuti to remain in power for the next 15 years. The party aims to expand its membership to 1.51 crore and plans to field 13,000 candidates in the municipal elections, expected in April-May.
BJP leaders, such as Girish Mahajan, have suggested that the party could independently contest upcoming municipal elections. Mahajan stated that although he hasn’t yet called for a campaign based on “self-strength,” he believes BJP could win over 50% of the seats in Jalgaon district.
In Badlapur, MLA Kisan Kathore has also signaled that BJP might contest upcoming municipal elections independently.
