Will bjp challenge shiv sena in Shinde's stronghold Thane?
There are signs of tussle between Mahayuti allies bjp and shiv sena in Maharashtra. fadnavis government minister and bjp leader Ganesh Naik has said that he wants the saffron party to flourish in thane, the stronghold of deputy cm and shiv sena president Eknath Shinde. Guardian minister Naik of neighbouring Palghar district said at an event on tuesday (January 28) that he will also organise public grievance meetings in Thane. After Ganesh Naik's statement, speculation began that bjp is preparing to challenge the dominance of Eknath Shinde's party in the region. He said that he will organise these meetings at the Gadkari Rangayatan auditorium due to his love for the people.
We want only 'lotus' to bloom in thane - Ganesh Naik
According to a PTI report, maharashtra government minister Ganesh Naik said, "BJP's focus is on the city. We want only 'lotus' to bloom in Thane. The party has entrusted me with the responsibility of the city.'' Both Naik and Shinde started their political career with the shiv sena, but Naik later joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Shinde had broken the shiv sena by challenging uddhav Thackeray's leadership in 2022. The Shinde-led party is already upset with the distribution of district guardian minister posts.
What did Chandrashekhar Bawankule say?
maharashtra bjp president and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on wednesday (January 29) supported Ganesh Naik's statement. He also said that shiv sena leaders should also organize public grievance meetings to resolve people's issues. All ministers, including those from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, should actively engage with the public in various areas, this will benefit the people.
thane will remain Shiv Sena's stronghold - Shambhuraj Desai
Reacting to the development, shiv sena minister Shambhuraj Desai said, "I have previously served as Thane's guardian minister. I am familiar with Eknath Shinde's network in the city and district. thane will remain Shiv Sena's stronghold. bjp leaders have the right to expand their party, but one cannot ignore the fact that shiv sena has historically maintained its dominance in the district."
