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Mahayuti alliance friction as Deputy CM Eknath Shinde backs independent candidate against BJP.
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News18•16-10-2026, 13:14
Mahayuti alliance friction as Deputy CM Eknath Shinde backs independent candidate against BJP.
- •Differences have surfaced within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra ahead of the teachers' and graduates' constituency elections.
- •Despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claiming the alliance would field joint candidates, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced support for independent candidate Sachin Sanp in the Pune teachers' constituency.
- •Shinde defended the move by citing the possibility of exceptional friendly contests, complicating matters for BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade.
- •The Maha Vikas Aghadi has extended support to Congress sitting member Jayant Asgaonkar, setting up a multi-cornered electoral battle.
- •While alliance leaders downplay the rift as a friendly contest to strengthen party organizations, strategic differences have also emerged in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Amravati.
Key Questions Answered
Friction arose when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced Shiv Sena's support for independent candidate Sachin Sanp, challenging BJP candidate Kaustubh Gawade despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's claims of a joint alliance contest.
Voting for the Pune teachers legislative council seat is scheduled for October 23, while the counting of votes will take place on October 27.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi has extended its support to Congress's Jayant Asgaonkar, who is the sitting member with a strong political grip on the seat.
