Political Tensions Rise in Nashik Over BJP's 'No Crutches' Remark
A controversial statement by senior BJP leader and minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political firestorm in Nashik, creating significant friction within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Mahajan's assertion that the BJP "does not need crutches" to govern the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has deeply offended the Shiv Sena, a key alliance partner in the state government.
Shiv Sena's Strong Reaction and Threat of Opposition
Shiv Sena's deputy leader and group leader in the NMC, Ajay Boraste, expressed profound disappointment over Mahajan's remarks on Monday. Boraste stated that his party is fully prepared to sit in the opposition if necessary, emphasizing that a final decision will be made after consulting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This development highlights the growing strain in the alliance's local dynamics in Nashik.
Contrasting Proposals Within the BJP
The controversy stems from conflicting signals within the BJP itself. Earlier, Sunil Kedar, the BJP's Nashik unit chief, had proposed that alliance partners Shiv Sena and NCP collaborate with the BJP to manage the civic body effectively, especially in the lead-up to the crucial Simhastha Kumbh Mela. However, during his visit to the city on Sunday, Minister Mahajan dismissed this idea outright.
"We do not need crutches from anyone to form power in the NMC, as the party already holds a clear majority with 72 seats. Furthermore, 5–6 corporators from other parties are set to join us, which may increase our strength to 78," Mahajan confidently told reporters, asserting the BJP's independent strength.
Electoral Context and Political Mathematics
In the recently concluded NMC elections, the BJP contested independently and secured a decisive majority, winning 72 of the 122 seats. In contrast, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP contested jointly, securing 26 and 4 seats, respectively. This electoral outcome forms the backdrop for the current political maneuvering and the BJP's confidence in its standalone capability.
Boraste's Critique and Call for BJP Unity
Ajay Boraste criticized Mahajan's stance, pointing to a lack of internal coordination within the BJP. "BJP's city chief, Sunil Kedar, personally proposed that the Mahayuti partners should work together in the NMC for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. We were positive about this proposal. However, minister Mahajan's 'crutches' remark is completely uncalled for. BJP leaders should sit together and decide on a unified stance," Boraste asserted, highlighting the contradictory positions within the BJP leadership.
Shiv Sena's Stance on Power and Opposition Role
Boraste further clarified that the Shiv Sena is not desperate for power. "Our party chief, Eknath Shinde, will decide whether we join the administration or sit in opposition. If our leadership chooses the latter, Shiv Sena will play the role of a strong and effective opposition party in the house," he added, underscoring the party's readiness to adapt its role based on strategic decisions from the top leadership.
This political standoff in Nashik underscores the complexities of alliance politics in Maharashtra, where local and state-level dynamics often intersect, creating challenges for cohesive governance. The situation remains fluid, with all eyes on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's forthcoming decision regarding Shiv Sena's participation in the NMC administration.
