Shiv Sena Leader Accuses BJP of Undermining Party Ahead of Elections

Accusations Against BJP by Abdul Sattar

On Monday, Abdul Sattar, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde's leadership and a former minister in Maharashtra, accused the BJP of systematically attempting to dismantle their party. With rising tensions over seat allocations for the upcoming assembly elections, Sattar emphasized the need for a potential reunification of the rival factions within Shiv Sena in Maharashtra.

Concerns Over Seat Distribution

Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sattar stated, "Our ally (BJP) is trying to behead the Shiv Sena... They have already crippled us and are now attempting to finish us off." His son, Sameer Sattar, was contesting from the same assembly seat, but the BJP has fielded its candidate, Suhas Shirsat, in his place. Consequently, Sameer Sattar has filed his nomination as a rebel candidate.

BJP's Claims on Historical Seats

Sattar accused the BJP of laying claim to seats that have historically belonged to the Shiv Sena. He remarked that the BJP has quickly forgotten the political agreements made to form the government. He added, "The goddess Kamakhya in Guwahati knows our sacrifices, but the BJP has forgotten them. Instead, they are actively trying to sow discord within our party." Sattar, who was the only Muslim face in the previous Shinde-BJP government, expressed regret over the increasing power of BJP leaders while the Shiv Sena's structural weaknesses are growing. He noted that the Shiv Sena was once in power in the district council and municipal corporations, but now they feel completely powerless.

Eknath Shinde's Response

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed speculation about a possible reconciliation between his faction and that led by Uddhav Thackeray. He asserted that only his party is advancing the ideology of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and has received a mandate from the public. When asked about Sattar's comments regarding the possibility of both factions coming together, Shinde did not provide a direct answer. He stated, "We are promoting the thoughts of Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray. We have formed a government that reflects the aspirations of the common people of Maharashtra."

Support for Shinde's Leadership

Shinde further claimed that voters have supported his leadership of Shiv Sena, its bow and arrow symbol, and the legacies of Bal Thackeray and the late Anand Dighe. He expressed confidence that their journey towards victory would continue in the future. His remarks came after the Mahayuti party candidate Ravindra Phatak filed his nomination for the Thane-Palghar local authority constituency assembly elections.

Stay Updated with National News

For the latest updates on national politics, events, and major news, stay tuned to various news media.