Tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition have intensified following the induction of several former opposition leaders into the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party , prompting unease among its allies, particularly the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party .
The entry of former state ministers Dr Satish Patil and Gulabrao Devkar, along with ex-MLAs Dilip Wagh and Dilip Sonawane—who previously aligned with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi —into the NCP has raised concerns about the shifting power dynamics within the alliance. These developments have exacerbated existing frictions over seat-sharing arrangements and political influence among Mahayuti partners.
The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena , and the NCP , has been grappling with internal disagreements, particularly over the allocation of key constituencies. Disputes have emerged over seats such as Nashik and Dharashiv, with both the Shiv Sena and NCP expressing interest, while the BJP has shown a preference for the Satara constituency. These disagreements have led to the cancellation of planned press conferences and have highlighted the challenges in maintaining a cohesive alliance.
The induction of former MVA leaders into the NCP has further complicated the alliance’s dynamics. Some Shiv Sena members have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that the inclusion of Ajit Pawar’s faction has diluted their electoral prospects. Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil remarked that the party could have secured more seats in the assembly polls had the NCP not been part of the coalition.
Ajit Pawar’s assertion that all NCP MLAs supported joining the Mahayuti government in 2022 has been met with skepticism by some alliance members. His claim that the decision was made in the state’s interest has not assuaged concerns about the NCP’s growing influence within the coalition.
The BJP, while maintaining a dominant position within the alliance, has also faced internal dissent. Reports indicate that some BJP members have expressed discomfort with the NCP’s increasing clout, fearing it may undermine their own political standing. This sentiment has been echoed by certain party workers, particularly in regions like Pune, where letters have been sent to senior BJP leaders expressing apprehensions about the alliance’s direction.
The Mahayuti’s internal challenges have been further highlighted by the release of audio clips suggesting that alliance members may have worked against each other’s interests during elections. In one instance, a Shiv Sena leader was reportedly heard admitting to supporting a rival candidate from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, raising questions about the alliance’s internal cohesion.
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