Shirsat hints at big shift in Maharashtra politics in three to four months

Mumbai: Friction between the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has grown since the Legislative Council election results. Leaders on both sides are trading statements. A remark by Minister Sanjay Shirsat has now set off fresh talk in political circles.

Shirsat hinted that big developments would take place in the state's politics in the next three to four months. He also said there was no dispute between the Shiv Sena and the BJP.

Shirsat also cautioned BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban, saying everyone should stay within limits while commenting on others. He also asked whether Ban's statement had the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Shirsat then said major political activity was due in the state in the next three months. According to him, there is considerable talk about Eknath Shinde becoming Chief Minister again. He described Shinde as a "common man". Shirsat also said the next year would belong to the Shiv Sena.

Shirsat also gave his views on the closed-door conversation between Chief Minister Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. He said leaders keep meeting one another, so it would not be right to assume that a new political equation had formed immediately. However, he hinted that it would be important to see whether there had been any talks between Raj Thackeray and BJP leader Ashish Shelar.

Shinde faction MLA Santosh Bangar also spoke on the Chief Minister's post. Bangar said every Shiv Sainik wished for Eknath Shinde to become Maharashtra's Chief Minister. He also said that if he were given the responsibility of a ministerial post, he would work to expand the Shiv Sena in Marathwada and surrounding areas.

Following these statements by Shirsat and Bangar, fresh discussion has begun in state politics. All eyes are now on whether a major political decision is actually taken in the coming months, or whether this is only rhetoric.