Shinde to Sena MLAs: Maintain restraint — avoid remarks against alliance partners

by Webdesk
09 Dec 2025

MUMBAI: Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde has issued a clear directive to his MLAs that now that the Nagar Panchayat elections have concluded, they must avoid making any statements or remarks that may criticise or insult their alliance partners. Shinde emphasized that the immediate priority for the party is maintaining stability within the Mahayuti coalition and ensuring that internal disputes do not weaken them ahead of the larger and more crucial elections.

Shinde delivered this message while addressing a gathering of all Sena legislators in Nagpur. The meeting was organised to review the political situation and prepare a strategy for the upcoming municipal corporation and zilla parishad (ZP) elections. During the meeting, he reminded the MLAs that the focus should now be on organisational strength and coordination, not confrontation.

The strong advisory comes shortly after Shinde and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan — who were recently engaged in a political war of words — shared a stage at a public event in Dombivli on Saturday. Their joint appearance is being viewed as an attempt to project unity that will be crucial for the upcoming urban elections.

Reiterating the need for discipline and cooperation, Shinde told his party lawmakers that Shiv Sena would contest the municipal corporation and ZP elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance, and that every leader must follow the principles of coalition politics. “Maintain coalition dharma,” Shinde instructed, adding that no Sena leader should behave in a manner that could ignite fresh conflicts within the alliance.

Shinde also highlighted that disagreements that may have occurred during the municipal council polls should be forgotten immediately. According to him, the election phase is now over, and it is time to resume work with greater intensity. “Whatever happened has happened. Leave behind the issues of the past and work with new enthusiasm,” he said, urging MLAs to focus on engaging voters and strengthening their base before the implementation of the election code of conduct.

The deputy CM also expressed confidence about the performance of the Mahayuti bloc. He noted that the political atmosphere during the elections had remained largely favourable, and despite some internal conflicts, the alliance had fought strongly. “We fought a good battle, the public response has been positive, and we are confident that the results will reflect our efforts,” Shinde told legislators.

However, discussions within the meeting also revealed an ongoing tug-of-war between the allies over seat allocation for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is aiming to field candidates in 125 out of the total 227 wards, while the BJP has indicated a desire to contest at least 150 seats to secure a target of crossing the 100-seat mark independently. This difference in expectations is believed to be one of the pressure points within the alliance and may require further negotiations to resolve.

In addition, some Sena MLAs informed Shinde that the BJP is planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate two significant Metro rail lines — one connecting Mira-Bhayander and another stretch of Metro 2B — before the model code of conduct takes effect. These inaugurations, if held before the election schedule is announced, could give the BJP a major boost in the campaign, which has prompted concerns among Shiv Sena leaders about the distribution of political credit for developmental projects.

Despite these emerging challenges, Shinde maintained that the Mahayuti alliance must appear united in public and continue functioning as a cohesive political force. He told MLAs that voters would not support a coalition that constantly engages in internal fights, and therefore every leader should act responsibly. The deputy CM made it clear that leadership expects every party representative to prioritise the success of the government and the alliance over personal or factional rivalries.

The meeting concluded with Shinde urging legislators to reconnect with grassroots workers, intensify on-ground activities, and project a positive narrative about government work. A strong and united campaign, he said, would help the Mahayuti secure decisive victories in both municipal corporations and zilla parishads.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Shinde to Sena MLAs: Maintain restraint — avoid remarks against alliance partners

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