Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday launched a pointed attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that its newly constituted National Executive lacks genuine operational autonomy and serves primarily as a vehicle for the preferences of the party's central leadership. The criticism was published in the party's official mouthpiece, 'Saamana', in a sharply worded editorial.

The Core Allegation

The Thackeray camp alleged in the editorial that the BJP's new leadership structure functions chiefly 'to carry out the preferences of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, while the party's real machinery relies on external levers of power.' The editorial dismissed the reshuffle as an 'arrangement of convenience', asserting that formal organisational titles have been distributed without transferring any real decision-making authority.

Notably, the editorial questioned why the new lineup took seven months to be announced after Nitin Nabin assumed the role of National President. 'Finding individuals who will quietly steer the party's carriage in the exact direction desired by PM Modi and HM Shah should not have taken seven months,' it stated, questioning the operational necessity of the executive body altogether.

Bihar By-Election and Electoral Vulnerabilities

The editorial pointed to Bihar as evidence of the BJP's political vulnerabilities during the interim period. It highlighted that Nabin vacated his Bankipur Assembly constituency, and the BJP subsequently lost the seat in the by-election. The Saamana editorial attributed this loss to the strategic presence of Prashant Kishor, claiming it exposed the ruling party's electoral limitations when confronted with formidable political tacticians.

The editorial further alleged that the BJP's newly appointed team carries 'no actual burden to win elections', contending that core election strategy and ground management have been effectively outsourced to state machinery, law enforcement agencies, financial resources, and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

EVM Controversy and International References

Drawing on international discourse, the editorial cited remarks by US President Donald Trump, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk regarding EVM vulnerabilities and the use of paper ballots in American elections. The editorial contrasted this with India, criticising the Election Commission and the Supreme Court for repeatedly declining demands to revert to paper ballots — a longstanding demand of several Opposition parties.

Piyush Goyal Appointment and Conflict of Interest Charge

Among the key appointments, the Thackeray camp levelled strong ethical objections against the naming of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as the BJP's National Treasurer. The editorial argued that placing a sitting cabinet minister in charge of party funds for India's wealthiest political entity creates an inherent conflict of interest, where state authority over trade policies and licensing could intersect with political fundraising.

Pointing to the BJP's reported treasury reserves exceeding ₹7,000 crore and its extensive nationwide office network, the editorial asserted that Goyal should have resigned from his government post before accepting the organisational role.

Key Organisational Shifts

The editorial detailed several notable changes in the new lineup. Ram Madhav returns to a prominent role within the National Executive following an absence linked to prior allegations regarding Jammu and Kashmir tenders, made by former Governor Satya Pal Malik. Amit Malviya has been removed from the National IT Cell, with Deepak Mhashe named as his replacement. Smriti Irani returns to party organisational responsibilities, while Vasundhara Raje Scindia and senior Maharashtra leader Vinod Tawde retain their positions as General Secretaries.

The inclusion of Bharati Pawar from Maharashtra came as a surprise to state party ranks, according to the editorial. Tariq Mansoor stands as the sole Muslim face accommodated in the new National Executive, the editorial added.

With the Maharashtra assembly battle still fresh and the Bihar political landscape shifting, the BJP's internal restructuring will face its first real test at the ballot box sooner than the party may prefer.