Infighting within the allied partners of the NDA-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has come to the forefront shortly after the conclusion of voting in the Lok Sabha polls. Allegations and counter-allegations have been exchanged between the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), both crucial members of the alliance.
Shrirang Barne, the Shiv Sena candidate from the Maval Lok Sabha constituency led by Eknath Shinde, has accused certain NCP party workers of neglecting to campaign for him, despite the alliance between the two parties. In response, NCP MLA Sunil Shelke defended the NCP's efforts, suggesting that any dissatisfaction among voters should be acknowledged by Barne.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated within Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena over allegations of favoritism towards the Uddhav Thackeray camp. Shiv Sena leader Shishir Shinde has demanded the immediate expulsion of senior party leader Gajanan Kirtikar for purportedly making anti-party statements and siding with the opposition Uddhav Thackeray faction.
Shishir Shinde's letter to the party chief highlighted allegations against Gajanan Kirtikar and his family, including accusations that Kirtikar's son, Amol Kirtikar, operated from his father's office despite being affiliated with the Thackeray camp. Additionally, Shinde alleged that Gajanan Kirtikar's MPLAD funds were utilized by Amol Kirtikar for development activities benefiting the Thackeray camp.
In light of these allegations, Shishir Shinde demanded the immediate expulsion of Gajanan Kirtikar from the Shiv Sena, emphasizing the need to address and rectify internal divisions within the party.
