Shirsat says big political churn in three months as Shinde Sena, BJP trade barbs over Council results

A war of words has begun between the Shinde Sena and the BJP over the results of the Legislative Council elections. Leaders of both parties are trading accusations, giving the impression that something has gone wrong between the BJP and the Shinde Sena. Amid this, Shinde Sena leader and state Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat made a major statement while speaking to the media. He said there will be big political churn in the state in the next three to four months.

Shirsat said there is no dispute and no tussle between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. But he advised Navnath Ban to comment only after considering his own stature. Expressing displeasure, Shirsat said that otherwise the Shinde Sena could also ask whether Ban's remarks have the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

According to Shirsat, major events will take place in the state in the next three months. He said there is a great deal of talk about Eknath Shinde becoming chief minister. Shirsat said plainly that Eknath Shinde is a "common man". He also said that next year will belong to the Shiv Sena.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray held a closed-door conversation yesterday, which has set off all kinds of speculation. Shirsat responded to this as well. He said it would be wrong to conclude that new political equations will form in the state because the Thackeray brothers and Fadnavis came together on one stage. He said leaders keep meeting one another. Shirsat also said it is important to find out whether Ashish Shelar has had any talks with Raj Thackeray.

Shinde faction MLA Santosh Bangar also spoke on the matter. Bangar said it is the wish of every Shiv Sainik that Eknath Shinde become Maharashtra's chief minister. He also said that if he is given the responsibility of a ministerial post, he will not rest until he has expanded the Shiv Sena in Marathwada as well as in the surrounding area.