In a recent meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their concerns regarding the treatment they receive as partners within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The MPs also discussed upcoming civic body elections, seat-sharing arrangements with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the need for increased funding. Furthermore, they focused on formulating a strategy to win local self-government polls, with a particular emphasis on securing victories in Mumbai and Thane.
Since the Shiv Sena split last year, 13 MPs joined the faction led by Eknath Shinde. Recognized as the official party by the Election Commission of India, they have taken over the parliamentary office of the Shiv Sena. However, the MPs now demand equal treatment as NDA partners and stress the importance of receiving additional funds to ensure an egalitarian relationship.
One of the key issues raised during the meeting was the retention of seats in the seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP. The Shiv Sena MPs seek a promise from both Chief Minister Shinde and the BJP to secure their seats. Additionally, they requested active participation from the BJP during the campaign for upcoming elections.
Turning their attention to the impending local self-government polls, which are overdue in the state, the Shiv Sena MPs began devising a comprehensive strategy. Their primary objective is to secure victories in Mumbai and Thane while keeping the Shiv Sena (UBT) out of power. With two MPs from Mumbai, Shewale and Kirtikar, they believe they can significantly contribute to the party’s campaign efforts.
To strengthen their candidate pool, the Shiv Sena is actively considering former corporators from the Uddhav group as potential candidates. Having been officially granted the party symbol and name, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
In response to these developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut confidently declared that all 13 MPs of the Shiv Sena who had defected with Shinde would be defeated, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) would emerge victorious in the Lok Sabha polls. However, Shiv Sena leader and state minister Shambhuraj Desai reminded Raut that the sitting MPs in these parliamentary constituencies had joined the Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena.
In a parallel development, three assembly constituency in-charges from the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Jalgaon-Dhule belt decided to join the Shiv Sena in the presence of Chief Minister Shinde. This move reflects a continuing dynamic within the political landscape of Maharashtra.
As the Shiv Sena MPs assert their demands for equal treatment and enhanced collaboration within the NDA, their discussions with Chief Minister Shinde highlight their commitment to securing favorable outcomes in the forthcoming civic body elections. Their strategy for local self-government polls, particularly in Mumbai and Thane, further underscores the party’s determination to expand its influence in the state. The evolving political landscape in Maharashtra promises an engaging contest as various parties strive to strengthen their positions and secure victories in future elections.
