Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) In a notable intensification of internal discord within the MahaYuti coalition, Shiv Sena MP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s offspring, Shrikant Shinde, publicly criticized the BJP on Wednesday for what he described as "ideological compromises" following the party's recent local partnerships with AIMIM and the Congress.

This criticism comes in the wake of reports revealing the BJP's establishment of the "Akot Vikas Manch" alongside Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM in Akola, coupled with a separate collaboration with the Congress in Ambernath to gain control over municipal councils.

Shrikant Shinde raised concerns about how a party that campaigned on the slogan "Batenge toh Katenge" (Divided we fall) could partner with AIMIM just weeks later.

He labeled this move "painful" for those who uphold Hindutva. In Ambernath, a stronghold of Shinde Sena, the BJP excluded Shiv Sena from forming a majority with the Congress.

He expressed that "sidelining a trusted ally to align with the Congress" contradicts the essence of the Mahayuti coalition. He warned that these "unnatural" alliances for the sake of local power could mislead the voter base and tarnish the alliance's reputation ahead of crucial BMC elections.

He further stated, “The media should inquire of the BJP how such alliances were formed. Their leaders may have pursued this alliance purely for power, and senior BJP officials should address this.”

Shrikant Shinde’s remarks followed the BJP's initiative to create a new front known as the 'Akot Vikas Manch,' which includes MIM.

This alliance now boasts 25 members, plus the President, totaling 26 in a house of 33 members. The Congress (6) and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (2) will occupy opposition seats.

In the Ambernath Municipal Council, despite the Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerging as the largest party, the BJP succeeded in securing the President's position and establishing a working majority through an unexpected coalition.

In the 60-member Ambernath Municipal Council, Shiv Sena won 27 seats, BJP acquired 14, Congress 12, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 4, and independents 3.

Shrikant Shinde’s attack on the BJP underscores an escalating "big brother" versus "local ally" conflict. While the BJP maintains these are "local-level adjustments" driven by arithmetic rather than ideology, the Shinde faction perceives them as a challenge to their supremacy in specific municipal regions.

Observers indicate that this discord may influence the dynamics between BJP and Shiv Sena, particularly as both parties vie for the same "pro-Hindutva" and "pro-development" voter demographics during the BMC elections.