BJP Minister Raksha Khadse Alleges Shiv Sena Workers Are Intimidating Residents in Jalgaon

Union Minister Raksha Khadse claims that Shiv Sena workers are intimidating people in Jalgaon, revealing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. She emphasises her responsibility to speak out against such actions.

Union minister Raksha Khadse from the BJP has accused Shiv Sena workers of intimidating residents in the Muktainagar assembly area, located in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. This claim highlights tensions between the Mahayuti alliance partners. The Shiv Sena, under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is a significant part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which also includes the BJP and NCP.

Khadse expressed her concerns to reporters, stating, "Look at the workers of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. They are mounting pressure on people. It is my responsibility to raise voice against it." She further alleged that individuals involved in questionable activities were being supported by the Shiv Sena. According to her, these individuals were behaving like goons and exerting pressure on locals.

Political Tensions in Muktainagar

The Muktainagar assembly seat has historically been a BJP bastion. However, it is now under the control of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Khadse mentioned that her father-in-law, veteran politician Eknath Khadse, had won this seat multiple times as a BJP member. In the 2024 assembly elections, Shiv Sena candidate Chandrakant Patil emerged victorious from Muktainagar.

Khadse also claimed that even her daughter had faced issues due to the alleged intimidation tactics. As the MoS for Sports and Youth Affairs, she emphasised her duty to speak out against such actions. She noted that despite her efforts to secure half of the seats for her party in the upcoming Muktainagar parishad council elections, her demands were not met.

Alliance Challenges and Political Dynamics

In response to Khadse's allegations, MLA Chandrakant Patil stated he was open to compromise and discussions for an alliance were ongoing. However, these talks were halted when the BJP decided to contest independently. Patil remarked that if it had been the genuine BJP, he would not have participated in the elections.

The situation underscores the complexities within political alliances and highlights internal challenges faced by coalition partners. The evolving dynamics in Muktainagar reflect broader political shifts within Maharashtra's ruling coalition.

With inputs from PTI