Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Information Technology Minister and BJP's representative for the BMC elections, Ashish Shelar, issued a pointed warning to NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday, asserting that the BJP will not waver from its ideological foundations.

Shelar referenced the Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, stating that any party wishing to ally with the BJP must embrace Savarkar’s principles.

“We are adherents of Savarkar. Our party operates on his ideology. If you wish to partner with us, you must accept it. Otherwise, we will proceed independently. If you choose to oppose us, we will regard you as the opposition,” Shelar conveyed, sending a clear message to Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP.

This warning coincides with Ajit Pawar's insistence that the NCP adheres to the ideologies of Shivaji, Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, suggesting that the party will not compromise its secular values.

Shelar characterized the BJP's alliance with Ajit Pawar's group as “unnatural,” asserting that political partnerships lacking ideological alignment are destined for internal strife.

His remarks come amid mounting tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling MahaYuti alliance as critical municipal elections approach, with senior BJP figures publicly cautioning Ajit Pawar and raising doubts about the alliance's stability.

The discord escalated following Ajit Pawar's comments during a campaign, where he claimed that accusations amounting to Rs 70,000 crore had been directed at him, highlighting his current collaboration with those who previously accused him.

This statement drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who openly condemned his remarks and questioned the political implications.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, at a public gathering in Katraj, hinted at repercussions for those who underestimate the BJP, advising allies against taking the party lightly. His comments were interpreted as a clear signal of the BJP's assertive position within the coalition.

Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan responded by urging DCM Ajit Pawar to “introspect” before making accusations. Chavan warned that should the BJP begin counter-accusations, it could create “serious difficulties” for Pawar, alluding to past investigations involving the Deputy CM.

BJP's Municipal Corporation elections in-charge, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, supported State BJP President Chavan, advising Ajit Pawar to “reflect” prior to casting blame.

Bawankule also issued a stern warning to Ajit Pawar following the latter’s harsh criticisms of the BJP's administration, outlining three essential points: maintaining restraint, honoring the alliance agreement, and steering clear of personal attacks.

Ajit Pawar clarified that his comments regarding corruption pertained specifically to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation during the BJP's governance.

Furthermore, Shelar aimed criticism at the emerging political relationship between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

Using a chemical metaphor, he stated that politics does not adhere to the principles of chemistry or mathematics. “If incompatible elements are mixed, a reaction is unavoidable. If their traits are contradictory, an explosion is likely,” Shelar claimed, forecasting that the Uddhav Thackeray-Raj Thackeray alliance will not endure.

He further alleged that both parties are experiencing internal strife, suggesting ideological rifts between Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, while the MNS is also divided between supporters of Raj Thackeray and those aligned with Amit Thackeray.

Shelar claimed that multiple MNS officials have resigned, asserting that both parties are organizationally weakened and finding it difficult to mobilize support.

“Large rallies alone will not suffice. Leaders must engage directly with the public. Residents of Mumbai are already witnessing the turmoil and internal conflict within these factions,” he added.

The public exchange of pointed remarks has intensified speculation about potential fractures within the MahaYuti alliance at a pivotal moment, as civic elections in significant urban areas draw near.

While alliance leaders have thus far dismissed any imminent fallout, the escalating verbal exchanges indicate mounting strain between partners with divergent political agendas and ideological beliefs.

Political analysts suggest that whether these tensions remain mere rhetoric or manifest as a substantial political split remains to be seen, but the situation has unmistakably unveiled the vulnerabilities within Maharashtra’s ruling coalition.