Unexpected Alliance: Two Shiv Senas to Join Forces for Barshi Zilla Parishad Elections
In a dramatic twist to Maharashtra's political landscape, two bitter rivals—the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray—are poised to join hands for the upcoming Zilla Parishad election in Barshi taluka, Solapur district. This development marks a significant shift in the state's electoral dynamics, as these factions have been at odds since the Shiv Sena split in 2022.
Announcement of 'Maha Aghadi' in Barshi
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Dilip Sopal announced on Saturday the formation of a 'Maha Aghadi' in Barshi, comprising the Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT), and two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—one led by Ajit Pawar and the other by Sharad Pawar. Sopal urged party workers to attend a rally in large numbers to support this new coalition, which aims to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the region.
Uddhav Thackeray 'Not in the Know'
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut stated that the party leadership, including Uddhav Thackeray, is not fully aware of the developments in Barshi. "We have learnt that all parties are coming together against the BJP in Barshi taluka. Our party chief is also not in the know of the full happenings in Barshi. We are in the process of collecting information," Raut told The Indian Express. He added that he would speak to MLA Dilip Sopal to clarify the situation.
Background of the Shiv Sena Split
The Shiv Sena split in 2022 following a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, who left with 40 MLAs and allied with the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra. This rift has since defined state politics, making the potential alliance in Barshi all the more surprising. The BJP in Barshi is led by former MLA Rajendra Raut, who now faces a united opposition front.
Election Details and Broader Context
Elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra are scheduled for February 5, with counting set for February 7. This local body election is crucial as it tests the strength of political alliances ahead of larger state polls. The Barshi development follows recent calls from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders for unity, such as Bhaskar Jadhav's appeal for Eknath Shinde to support Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Renewed Calls for Sena Unity
In recent days, several leaders have emphasized the need for the two Shiv Sena factions to reunite. Sanjay Jadhav, Lok Sabha MP from Parbhani, cited the example of the Pawar factions and urged Shinde to bring the Senas together. "Eknath Shinde must learn from the Pawars, and bring the two Senas together...The BJP had earlier tried to politically finish Uddhav Thackeray," he said. These statements highlight ongoing tensions and the potential for broader political realignments in Maharashtra.
As the election date approaches, the formation of the 'Maha Aghadi' in Barshi could signal a strategic move to consolidate anti-BJP votes, though internal party dynamics and leadership awareness remain unclear. This alliance, if solidified, may reshape local governance and influence future political strategies in the state.
