New Delhi: The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to witness upheaval as the NDA coalition faces internal strife, particularly between Chief Minister Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars NCP. Despite forming a coalition with BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, tensions within the alliance have surfaced after the underwhelming performance of Mahayuti in the recent Lok Sabha elections. With assembly elections looming around October, disputes over seat allocation have intensified among the partners.Seat sharing disputeA recent flashpoint revolves around the Chiplun-Sangameshwar assembly seat, where Shiv Sena, led by CM Shinde, has laid claim. They argue that since the NCP joined the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance later, they do not have legitimate rights to this seat. Former MLA and Shinde faction leader Sadanand Chavan emphasized Shiv Senas interest in contesting from this constituency, despite NCPs Shekhar Nikam winning it in the 2019 elections under Ajit Pawars camp.Stance of Shiv SenaSadanand Chavan, in a statement reported by ABP Marathi, reiterated Shiv Senas stance, asserting that despite Nikams incumbency, Shiv Sena workers are keen on electing an MLA from their party in Chiplun-Sangameshwar. Chavan, a former MLA himself, expressed readiness to contest from this seat, challenging the NCPs hold as per the existing seat agreement.Broader alliance strugglesThe conflict within Maharashtras NDA alliance extends beyond Shiv Sena and NCP. Previously, tensions surfaced between BJP and Shiv Sena following Narayan Ranes victory in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency. Ranes son, Nitesh Rane, accused State Minister Uday Samant of hindering their electoral performance by failing to transfer votes effectively.
