Gaikwad says BJP's 106 MLAs would be at home had Shinde not rebelled

Politics in the state is in turmoil. After the audio clip released by Manoj Jarange Patil, the infighting within the Mahayuti has come into the open. Leaders of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP are trading political barbs and accusations. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has now made another sharp remark against the BJP.

Addressing BJP leaders, Gaikwad said that had Eknath Shinde not rebelled, the BJP's 106 MLAs would be sitting at home. His statement has added fuel to the Mahayuti dispute. Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam had earlier made some allegations against the BJP, to which BJP MLA Pravin Darekar had replied. These two statements had already heated up the atmosphere in the Mahayuti, and Gaikwad's remark is now feared to trigger a bigger row.

Responding to Darekar's statement, Gaikwad defended Shinde's leadership. He claimed that Shinde's face was crucial to the success the Mahayuti achieved in Maharashtra. Gaikwad said that despite the BJP having 106 MLAs, the political equation of power changed only because of Shinde's rebellion.

He also advised BJP leaders to think before speaking and to talk to their seniors. Gaikwad said plainly that no one can suppress the voice of the Shiv Sena. In this way he asserted the party's role firmly.

Backing Kadam's statement, Gaikwad asked what Kadam had said that was wrong. He claimed that the audio clip being discussed carries the voices of BJP MLAs and workers. He said that, before accusing others in this matter, those concerned should look within themselves.

Gaikwad also expressed suspicion that an attempt is being made to drive Manoj Jarange Patil and Eknath Shinde apart. By pointing out that Shinde played a key role in the decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community, he backed Shinde's leadership.

Gaikwad said Shinde is calm and restrained, but that the Shiv Sena will respond. His statement has brought the difference between the BJP and Shinde's Shiv Sena back into discussion. Political circles are now watching how the BJP responds to these allegations and whether senior Mahayuti leaders step into the dispute.