Maharashtra Elections 2024: Sanjay Raut Accuses BJP Of 'Use & Throw' Strategy Against Ajit Pawar In Mahayuti

Sanjay Raut claims BJP is undermining Ajit Pawar and NCP in Maharashtra's election strategy. Internal tensions within Mahayuti alliance may impact upcoming polls.

In the bustling political landscape of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has stirred the pot by accusing the BJP of strategizing to sideline Ajit Pawar and the NCP from the Mahayuti alliance. This tactic, according to Raut, aims at consolidating more seats for the BJP in the upcoming state assembly elections.

Raut articulated these views during a media interaction, emphasizing how the BJP's approach is reminiscent of a 'use and throw' strategy, with certain leaders from the Shinde Sena faction purportedly aiding the BJP's agenda.

Photo Credit: PTI

In the midst of these strategic plays, the unity within the Mahayuti alliance seems to be wavering. Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Mumbai during the Ganpati festival highlighted these cracks, where he held distinct meetings with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Shah's advice to the alliance was to keep their internal discord away from the public eye. Notably, Ajit Pawar's absence from significant events such as the Coastal Road section inauguration in Mumbai, alongside CM Shinde and Deputy CM Fadnavis, and his non-participation in Shah's Ganpati pandal visits, further underscores the growing tensions.

The political scene is rife with speculation about Ajit Pawar's next move, with many suggesting a possible reconciliation with Sharad Pawar, thus mending the political rift within their party. Amid these conjectures, Sharad Pawar's remarks to the media were telling. He underscored the familial unity with Ajit Pawar but clarified their distinct political paths. This statement came in response to widespread calls for the uncle-nephew duo to realign politically. Sharad Pawar also expressed confidence in the MVA's prospects, highlighting a collective ambition to present a progressive alternative to the electorate of Maharashtra, evident from the people's inclination to support MVA in the forthcoming polls, as per a PTI report.

Adding another layer to this political saga, Raut cautioned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde about the BJP's strategic manoeuvres. According to Raut, after Ajit Pawar, the Shinde faction could likely be the next target of the BJP's divide-and-conquer strategy. This advice underscores the precarious position Shinde finds himself in, as alliances within the Mahayuti appear increasingly fragile.

As Maharashtra gears up for the assembly elections, the political drama unfolding within the Mahayuti alliance paints a complex picture. The BJP's alleged strategies, the internal discord among alliance partners, and the potential reshuffling of political allegiances underscore the unpredictable nature of Maharashtra's political arena. Amidst these developments, the NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, remains active on the campaign trail, with party workers fervently projecting him as the next Chief Minister.

In conclusion, the unfolding political strategies and alliances in Maharashtra signal a fiercely competitive battle ahead of the state assembly elections. With key players reevaluating their positions and the electorate keenly watching, the state's political future hangs in the balance, promising an intriguing electoral contest.