While political parties usually fear Opposition assault around the elections, for the state BJP, it is its own alliance partner — Shinde Sena — who has been trying to shake Mahayuti’s very foundation

The Mahayuti constituents (from left) CM Devendra Fadnavis (BJP); Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena-Eknath Shinde) and Ajit Pawar (NCP-Ajit Pawar). A split now would only weaken Mahayuti’s chances in the bigger fights waiting in 2029 (both in the Assembly and Lok Sabha) elections. FILE PIC

The biggest threat to the BJP’s credibility in Maharashtra today is not the Opposition, but its own ally.

For years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership worked hard to build a national image of discipline, clean governance and forward-looking politics. But in Maharashtra today, that image is not under attack from the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), or the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. The biggest threat is from its ally — the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. And all this is happening in full public view.

Local body elections covering thousands of seats will be held on December 2. These polls are normally a low-key affair and rarely dominate the state’s political narrative. Voters expect the Opposition to unleash accusations, expose governance failures, and question corruption. But this time, Maharashtra has witnessed something unusual. The fiercest allegations against the BJP are coming not from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) but from its own ruling regime partner.

Shinde himself added to the tension with his remark (referencing the Ramayan and citing........

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