Maharashtra's Mahayuti Alliance Faces Internal Tensions as Sena Ministers Skip Cabinet Meeting

The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra experienced visible tensions when several Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) ministers were absent from a cabinet meeting, sparking speculation about internal discord despite public assurances that relationships remain intact.

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Industries Minister Uday Samant denied any formal boycott while acknowledging frictions within the coalition. "There was no boycott, there was a dialogue," Samant explained. "We shared our concerns with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, and the discussion concluded positively."

Samant highlighted escalating tensions at local government levels, particularly in Raigad where he claimed the NCP submitted "questionable forms." He noted that in his constituency, "12 NCP candidates fielded forms that were not good," emphasizing that for Mahayuti to contest elections effectively, "unity must also be evident on the ground."

Sources revealed that Sena ministers deliberately skipped the cabinet meeting after raising concerns during pre-cabinet discussions about the BJP's approach to fund allocation, administrative authority, and transfers. Some ministers reportedly questioned the value of attending cabinet sessions if they "had no real powers."

The immediate catalyst for tension was the BJP's recruitment of Shiv Sena officials in Dombivli, which Sena representatives argued violated alliance protocols. When ministers conveyed their displeasure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly responded firmly: "You started this in Ulhasnagar. You can't object when the BJP does the same."

According to insiders, Fadnavis established a new rule that "neither party will induct the other's leaders" moving forward, insisting both organizations must maintain this discipline. The confrontation later prompted BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule to meet with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to address the situation.

Sources indicated that Fadnavis directly confronted the absent ministers in Shinde's presence for creating unnecessary political optics by missing the cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, BJP representatives maintained that the contentious Dombivli recruitment had received senior-level authorization.

Attempting to downplay tensions, Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogavale told NDTV, "Nothing happened. Both our leaders have spoken. Everything is normal," though he acknowledged that the Dombivli situation remained "tight."

In an off-record discussion, Shinde reportedly assured his ministers that the dispute had been resolved and emphasized that both parties must respect boundaries. He reiterated that Mahayuti remained committed to the NDA under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and insisted the government's focus was development rather than internal conflicts.

By evening, Sena minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that a joint meeting between Fadnavis and Shinde had yielded an important agreement: neither the BJP nor the Shiv Sena would recruit each other's members going forward. Bhuse explained that previous recruitments in Palghar, Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar had generated tensions, and this new arrangement was intended to resolve those issues.

A subsequent meeting between senior BJP and Sena leadership is expected to take place soon to further strengthen alliance relations.