Mahayuti Alliance Moves to Control Dharashiv Zilla Parishad, Excludes Dissenting MLA
The political landscape in Dharashiv district has witnessed significant developments as the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—has moved decisively to form the ruling body in the 55-member Dharashiv Zilla Parishad. The alliance claims to have secured the required majority, effectively sidelining Bhoom-Paranda MLA Tanaji Sawant from the power arrangement, despite his opposition to a post-poll alliance with the BJP.
Securing the Majority: Numbers and Strategy
To gain control of the Dharashiv Zilla Parishad, a minimum of 28 members is necessary. According to reliable sources, the alliance has successfully pooled together 19 members from the BJP, 6 members from the NCP, 4 independent members, and at least 2 members from the Shiv Sena. This coalition pushes the tally comfortably beyond the halfway mark, ensuring a stable majority.
This strategic formation is reportedly backed by Dharashiv district guardian minister Pratap Sarnaik, adding significant political weight to the alliance's efforts. The developments unfold despite MLA Tanaji Sawant's vocal opposition to collaborating with the BJP, highlighting internal tensions within the Shiv Sena faction.
Internal Divisions and Leadership Challenges
Of the 15 Shiv Sena members elected to the zilla parishad, 8 were elected from the Bhoom-Paranda-Washi segment under Tanaji Sawant's leadership, following his decision to challenge the Mahayuti alliance. The remaining 7 members hail from other constituencies: 4 from Umarga-Lohara under the leadership of Usha Gaikwad and former MLA Dnyanraj Chougule, and 3 from Tuljapur and Dharashiv segments with the support of Archana Patil.
BJP MLA Rana Jagjitsinh Patil is said to be coordinating the alliance-building exercise. Sources indicate that Patil, along with the 4 independents, 19 BJP members, 6 NCP members, and at least 2 Shiv Sena members, is currently touring outside Maharashtra. The group is awaiting the official notification for the election of the zilla parishad president and vice-president and plans to return once it is issued to participate actively in the election process. Despite repeated attempts, MLA Rana Jagjitsinh Patil could not be reached for comment.
Potential Leadership and Gender Representation
In a notable development, sources reveal that a formula is being discussed where Archana Patil, wife of Rana Jagjitsinh Patil, may be elected as the president of the zilla parishad. Concurrently, Ushatai Gaikwad, wife of former MP Ravindra Gaikwad, could be chosen as the vice-president. This arrangement suggests that both key posts may be held by women, potentially marking a step forward in gender representation within local governance.
Political Maneuvering and Future Prospects
Meanwhile, MLA Tanaji Sawant is reportedly exploring options to join hands with the Shiv Sena (UBT) to stake a claim to power in the district council. However, leaders aligned with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde have reportedly conveyed that the board should be formed exclusively with Mahayuti partners, without accommodating Sawant and his supporters.
In the recent zilla parishad elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 19 seats, followed by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 15 seats and the NCP with 6 seats. Former MP Ravindra Gaikwad commented, "We left the decision with our party chief Eknath Shinde. He will take the decision along with CM Devendra Fadnavis. As far as MLA Tanaji Sawant is concerned, we are confident that when the party chief decides, he, too, will come with us."
The political dynamics in Dharashiv district continue to evolve, with the Mahayuti alliance consolidating its position while managing internal dissent. The upcoming elections for president and vice-president will be crucial in determining the future governance structure and the extent of Sawant's influence in the region.
