Ajit Pawar-led NCP's entry into BJP-Sena coalition sparks dissent within Shinde faction

MUMBAI: As the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction enters the ruling BJP-Sena coalition, dissenting voices are growing louder and clearer within the Shinde camp.
The Shinde faction, which played a crucial role in the virtual collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government over a year ago by aligning with the BJP, is now suggesting that the entry of the NCP could potentially diminish their chances of securing significant positions within the government.
Reports indicate that the Shinde group held a meeting of its prominent leaders at the official residence of the chief minister at Varsha to discuss the allocation of portfolios.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat, representing the Shinde faction, expressed his concerns to the media on Wednesday.
He indirectly acknowledged that some members within the Shinde bloc were unhappy with the joining of Ajit Pawar's faction into the NDA government.
Shirsat said that this development could potentially affect the chances of their prominent leaders securing desired positions in the government.
He stressed the importance of addressing these issues amicably, as any internal rift within the ruling factions could be detrimental to the government's long-term stability.
He further said that it was their faction that first joined the BJP, giving CM Shinde more influence and authority in deciding the fate of the newly added NCP members.
Shirsat explained the political reality of accepting rivals into the fold, mentioning that when a rival gang seeks to join, they have little choice but to accommodate them. He further clarified that not all leaders within their faction were content with NCP's inclusion.
He then asserted their continued opposition to NCP and Sharad Pawar. The past tensions arose when Uddhav Thackeray served as CM, but the government was allegedly under the influence of Sharad Pawar. This contention led to their faction aligning with the BJP.
Shirsat entrusted Eknath Shinde to determine the course of action and ensure that any discontent is addressed effectively so that the government remains stable and united.
Speaking to the media outside the CM's Varsha residence following a meeting of the ruling alliance, minister Shambhuraj Desai said that all the leaders and MLAs expressed their confidence in the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde and their determination to win the state's upcoming assembly elections by a landslide.
"Any reports of dissent within the ruling coalition are fiction. Out of dissatisfaction, the opposition leaders are attempting to disseminate rumours regarding the CM's resignation. Under the direction of the CM and deputy, we will now work even harder," he said.