Shiv Sena (Shinde) set to contest Rajasthan local body elections independently amid seat-sharing tensions
Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena (Shinde) has told the BJP it will contest Rajasthan’s self-governing body elections on its own if it is not given proper seat allocation in the alliance.
Mumbai/Rajasthan | Nov 22, 2025 –:
Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has taken a firm stand ahead of the upcoming local body elections in Rajasthan, signalling that the party is prepared to contest independently if the BJP does not agree to a fair seat-sharing arrangement. The announcement marks a notable escalation in negotiations between the two allies and reflects the Shinde faction’s growing ambition to establish its presence outside Maharashtra.
Leaders of the Sena’s Rajasthan unit said they have clearly informed the BJP that participation in the election cannot be symbolic. They want a defined number of seats where their candidates can run with full party backing. Without this assurance, they are ready to field candidates across multiple districts on their own. The message from the Sena leadership is that alliances must come with adequate political space, and they are no longer willing to limit themselves to minor roles in states beyond their core base.
The party has been gradually expanding its footprint in Rajasthan. Over the past year, the Shinde camp managed to attract three sitting MLAs into its fold, giving it initial ground support and motivation to deepen its organisational network. Encouraged by this foothold, the Sena now sees the local body polls as an opportunity to test its strength, build a cadre and get visibility in an otherwise competitive landscape dominated by the BJP and Congress.
The BJP, which leads the government in Rajasthan, faces the challenge of balancing its own expansion with the demands of allies. Seat sharing has always been a sensitive topic in coalition politics, and the Sena’s public stance puts pressure on the BJP to respond. If negotiations fail, both parties may end up contesting against each other in several wards, increasing the risk of splitting similar vote banks and creating openings for rival groups.
Political observers say the Sena’s assertiveness signals that it wants to be recognised as a party with national ambitions rather than a purely regional force. Contending alone in Rajasthan would help demonstrate its independence and strategic reach. At the same time, contesting without a strong alliance brings its own risks: the party lacks deep grassroots infrastructure in many parts of the state, and an independent fight would require significant mobilisation and resources.
The party’s Rajasthan representatives said they are already preparing candidate lists and assessing local conditions in case an independent contest becomes necessary. They also emphasised that their focus is not only on winning seats but also on building long-term presence. Local body elections often serve as the foundation for future assembly-level influence, and the Sena hopes to lay early ground for future expansion.
Meanwhile, the BJP has not publicly reacted to the ultimatum. Insiders say discussions remain ongoing, and both parties may attempt to find middle ground to avoid a full split. With elections approaching, clarity on alliances will be crucial for campaign planning, resource allocation and voter outreach.
For Rajasthan’s local political landscape, the Sena’s decision adds a new element of unpredictability. A three-cornered fight in several wards could reshape voting patterns and affect results in districts where margins have historically been narrow. If the Sena performs even modestly well, it could alter political equations for upcoming elections at higher levels.
As things stand, the party remains firm that meaningful representation is non-negotiable. Whether the BJP accommodates these demands or chooses to hold its ground will determine whether the two allies fight together or against each other in Rajasthan’s local elections.
