Nitesh Rane criticises Nilesh Rane ahead of Konkan polls as Shiv Sena–BJP alliance fractures
Nitesh Rane
A public clash between Nitesh Rane and Nilesh Rane has intensified tension between BJP and Shiv Sena in the Konkan region ahead of local-body elections.
Mumbai, November 27, 2025 – Politics in the Konkan region has turned turbulent after BJP leader and state minister Nitesh Rane openly criticised his brother, Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane. The disagreement has surfaced at a sensitive moment, with local polls approaching and both parties expected to coordinate on candidate selection. Instead, the two influential brothers are exchanging sharp comments, signalling that the alliance may not stand united in Sindhudurg and surrounding areas.
The friction began when Nilesh Rane accused local BJP leadership of disrupting long-standing coordination between the two parties. He claimed key decisions were being taken without Shiv Sena’s involvement and alleged that party symbols and pictures of senior leaders like Eknath Shinde were removed from shared platforms. These claims quickly spread across Konkan’s political circles and created confusion among workers of both parties.
Responding to these allegations, Nitesh Rane dismissed his brother’s statements and said the claims were meant to create unnecessary drama. He questioned why such accusations were being made right before elections and suggested that personal ambitions might be driving these public outbursts. His comments, delivered sharply, made it clear that the BJP would not entertain pressure or emotional appeals at a time when party strategy requires discipline.
The public fallout between the brothers has shaken workers across Sindhudurg, who have always viewed the Rane family as a united force. With both sides staking their claim to leadership in the region, cadres are unsure which direction to follow. Some workers say they will wait until the official party instructions arrive, while others believe the division may encourage rival parties to strengthen their presence in the region.
The dispute also has implications for seat sharing. Reports suggest that the disagreement may have grown after Nilesh felt sidelined during discussions for local-body candidate allocation. BJP insiders say the party wants to field its own strong candidates this time without giving up strategic wards, while Shiv Sena wants equal participation to maintain its relevance in the Konkan belt. This push-and-pull has created tension even before the selection process begins.
Political analysts believe the episode could significantly impact the upcoming elections. A divided campaign may weaken the position of both parties, making it easier for opposition groups to capture key seats. The Konkan region has historically seen fierce contests, and any internal split is likely to affect the final results. The fact that the tensions are playing out publicly adds to the uncertainty.
For now, supporters of both Rane brothers are carefully watching their next moves. Senior leaders from both parties may attempt to intervene to restore coordination, but there is no sign yet that either brother is ready to step back. With the elections coming closer, the rift could deepen unless the leadership resolves the disagreements swiftly.
As Konkan politics grows more heated, the spotlight remains on the Rane family and how their decisions may reshape the political landscape in the region. The coming weeks will reveal whether the alliance remains intact or if both parties prepare to fight separately on their own strength.
