Shiv Sena (Shinde) Warns BJP as Tensions Rise Within Mahayuti Alliance
Shinde
Growing friction in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena warns BJP over alleged poaching of leaders, sparking speculation of a possible alliance split.
Mumbai, December 04, 2025 – Political tension within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance has escalated after the Shinde-led Shiv Sena issued a direct warning to the BJP, accusing it of repeatedly targeting Sena leaders and weakening the partnership. The disagreement, which had been simmering quietly for months, surfaced strongly when several local leaders from the Shinde camp defected to the BJP in regions like Dombivli and Kalyan. These defections were viewed as deliberate moves by the BJP ahead of the municipal elections, sparking frustration and open criticism from the Shinde group.
According to leaders close to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the alliance cannot function if one partner continues to pull away its grassroots workers. They argue that internal cooperation becomes impossible when trust erodes at the local level. A senior Shinde faction leader publicly warned the BJP state leadership that further attempts to poach members would not be tolerated and could force the Sena to reconsider its position in the alliance. The warning created ripples across the political landscape, with many analysts interpreting it as a serious sign of strain rather than routine friction.
The tension became more visible when most Shiv Sena ministers chose not to attend a key cabinet meeting earlier this week. While no formal explanation was offered, political observers saw the move as a silent protest and an indication that the rift has reached decision-making spaces within the government. BJP leaders, meanwhile, continue to insist that the alliance is stable, but their statements have done little to calm speculation about a possible split. Local cadres in several districts also report confusion and mixed messaging, especially as election season draws near and alliances at the grassroots level are shifting rapidly.
The uneasy situation has been further complicated by defections toward Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, adding a second layer of pressure on the Shinde-led Sena. Losing workers to both sides — the BJP and the Uddhav faction — has created frustration and strategic uncertainty. Leaders from the Shinde faction argue that their party is under attack from all directions, and unless the BJP reins in its expansion efforts, cooperation will become unsustainable.
Political analysts believe the Mahayuti is entering one of its most fragile phases since coming to power. With local body elections approaching, parties are aggressively strengthening their base, and the competition between allies is becoming sharper than their competition with opponents. In such an environment, even minor disputes can escalate into full-blown confrontations. The public warnings issued by the Shinde faction suggest that the situation has crossed a threshold where behind-the-scenes negotiations may no longer be enough.
For voters, the growing tension adds uncertainty about the alliance’s long-term stability. A potential split could reshape local alliances across Maharashtra, especially in urban regions where both the BJP and the Shinde-led sena depend heavily on grassroots networks. The next few weeks are expected to be crucial as both sides decide whether to mend differences or escalate their political posturing.
