Less than a week before Maharashtra’s municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, tensions between Shiv Sena and BJP have intensified. The allies are trading sharp accusations, creating a bitter political atmosphere before the December 2 polls.
On Wednesday, Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane claimed that BJP worker Vijay Kenvadekar kept bags of cash at his Malvan residence in Sindhudurg district. Rane said he conducted a “sting operation” and released a video showing the alleged cash. He added that the money was intended to influence voters.
BJP leaders rejected the allegations as politically motivated. They demanded an impartial investigation and warned that attempts to malign their candidates could affect voter confidence. Party officials insisted the claims should not disrupt the election process.
A cabinet minister intervened on Thursday, asking both parties to maintain decorum and run peaceful campaigns. Authorities began preliminary inquiries into Rane’s claims, but no formal charges have been filed so far.
Political analysts say the clash reflects deeper strains in the Mahayuti alliance ahead of the local elections. Both parties are intensifying campaigns, while opposition leaders monitor the situation closely.
The December 2 elections will test the alliance’s strength in smaller municipalities and panchayats. Analysts noted that controversies like cash allegations could sway voter sentiment and impact results in several constituencies.
