In a significant political setback for the newly formed alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), prominent local leaders from both parties in Nashik have switched sides to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The defections have sparked concerns about the grassroots perception of the Thackeray cousins' reunion and exposed internal dissent.
Swift Defection After Public Show of Unity
The political drama unfolded in Nashik on Wednesday. Former mayor Vinayak Pande from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Dinkar Patil from the MNS were publicly seen at the MNS office, celebrating the recently announced political partnership between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for the upcoming civic polls.
However, in a stunning turn of events, within just 12 hours, both leaders formally joined the ruling BJP. This rapid shift has sent shockwaves through the local units of both parties, raising immediate questions about the strength and appeal of the Thackeray alliance at the ground level.
Internal Dissent: "More a Family Affair Than Political Pact"
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several functionaries from both SS(UBT) and MNS expressed their disillusionment. A former MNS office-bearer stated that many within the party ranks are unable to comprehend the strategic benefit of the reunion, especially since it was not forged under the broader opposition umbrella of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
"We are unable to understand the benefit of the reunion when it was not for Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA). It should have been done to strengthen the opposition. The Congress refused to join hands with the MNS," the functionary revealed, adding to the sense of confusion.
An SS(UBT) functionary pointed to the lack of a strong, motivating message for party workers. "We needed a strong message to be sent to functionaries to work hard for the elections. Instead, none of them came out in support during the recently-concluded municipal council elections," he claimed, emphasizing that electoral politics is not a part-time business.
Context of a Dominant Mahayuti and Official Reactions
The defections come against the backdrop of the Mahayuti alliance — comprising the BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) — securing a majority of seats in the recently concluded municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. The MVA and MNS campaigns were notably subdued compared to the whirlwind tours of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
Reacting to the exits, SS(UBT) secretary and MP Anil Desai, who was in Nashik, asserted that the party remains unfazed. "Each person who has left the party has done so under pressure or for selfish reasons. SS (UBT) is here for the people and society," Desai stated.
Echoing a similar sentiment, MNS Nashik city unit president Sudam Kombde dismissed the defectors as opportunists. "You'll see only the opportunists leaving the party. They joined the MNS from the BJP on the eve of assembly polls for personal gains. Now, they have joined the BJP again for selfish gains," he said, questioning their loyalty to ideology and society.
The swift political maneuvering in Nashik highlights the challenges facing the Thackeray cousins' alliance as it prepares for crucial electoral battles, with loyalty and strategy being tested on the ground.
