Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai said that Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in 2022 paved the way for the BJP, which was in the opposition, to return to power, and credited Shinde with strengthening the Mahayuti alliance and changing the political equations.

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Satara: Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai said on Saturday that Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in 2022 paved the way for the BJP, then in the opposition, to regain power in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the Shiv Sena’s role is crucial in the game of political power. Desai’s statement comes a day after state minister and BJP leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is not only the head of the BJP but also influences the functioning of other political parties in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena Upset by Statements from Some BJP Leaders
The Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, are partners in the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Desai’s emphasis on Shinde’s crucial role comes at a time when the Shiv Sena leadership is upset by statements from some BJP leaders. The Shiv Sena is particularly unhappy with Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan, as some Shiv Sena members have decided to join the allied party. Desai said that after the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in 2019, the BJP had to sit in the opposition, and Uddhav Thackeray formed the government with the NCP (undivided) and the Congress.

‘Shinde’s Decision Led to Regaining Power’
Desai said that during the MVA rule, attempts were made to strengthen the NCP and Congress, and then in 2022, when Eknath Shinde took a strong stand, 50 MLAs supported him. He was referring to the rebellion within the undivided Shiv Sena, which brought down the then Uddhav Thackeray government. Desai further said, “After that, the political situation in the country began to change. The BJP, which was in the opposition, regained power because of Eknath Shinde’s decision.” It should be noted that Shinde, along with loyal MLAs of the undivided Shiv Sena, broke away and brought down the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government. Following this rebellion, Shinde became the Chief Minister.

‘Shinde Strengthened the Shiv Sena-BJP Alliance’
Desai said that any decision was taken only after consulting with the then Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said, “Shinde’s stance led to the BJP coming to power in 2022. The BJP got a significant share of power, and Shinde strengthened the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Shinde played a crucial role in the success of the Mahayuti (grand alliance) and in strengthening the BJP. We were in power in 2019, and there was no reason to leave. When Shinde rebelled, we didn’t worry about what would happen next. Shinde strengthened the Mahayuti. Shinde’s working style, his speed, and his ability to make quick decisions led to tremendous success in the elections.”