Amit Shah’s Mumbai Visit: Addressing BJP-Shiv Sena Tensions and Local Body Polls
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Mumbai is crucial as it aims to resolve the growing discord within the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and prepare for upcoming local body elections. The visit comes amid increasing political tensions and opposition efforts to unite.
Amit ShahBjpshiv Sena AllianceLocal Body ElectionsMaha Vikas AghadiMaharashtra PoliticsReal Estate MumbaiOct 26, 2025
Officially, Shah is in Mumbai to inaugurate the week-long India Maritime Week event on Monday. However, his primary focus will be on holding discussions with BJP and alliance partners to manage the ongoing disputes and develop broader strategies for the local body polls. A senior BJP functionary stated, “There are two key aspects. First, he will assess the BJP’s organizational preparation. Secondly, Shah will address the alliance issues, particularly the strained relations between the BJP and Shiv Sena. He will also consider broader factors such as the Thackeray brothers’ unification and the opposition’s common cause of ‘vote chori.’”
Shah’s visit follows a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Shinde extended Diwali greetings and presented a shawl, flowers, and a statue of Sant Tukaram Maharaj to Modi. Shinde emphasized the unity of NDA constituent parties, stating, “All constituent parties in the NDA are united by ideology and he expressed that this front should remain as strong as ever.” However, central BJP leaders have privately expressed disapproval of Shiv Sena’s growing assertiveness and the conduct of some of their ministers and MLAs, which is eroding the image of the Mahayuti government and creating a rift within the alliance.
Over the past 10 months, relations between the BJP and Shiv Sena have been volatile. Despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde publicly vouching for the alliance’s cordiality, political one-upmanship has been a constant issue. Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar has publicly accused BJP’s Lok Sabha MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, of corruption and ties with real estate developers. Dhangekar has even written to PM Modi, alleging that Mohol worked for realtors during his tenure as Pune mayor. “A real estate development firm had put up stickers of the mayor during Mohol’s term. Since then, his relationship with the real estate firm has flourished,” Dhangekar said, referencing Mohol’s involvement in a land deal concerning a Jain boarding hostel. Earlier, Dhangekar had also alleged that senior BJP minister Chandrakant Patil was giving political patronage to fugitive gangster Nilesh Ghiwal. Both Patil and Mohol dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Sources within the BJP suggest that an MLA cannot openly challenge a Union Minister or state minister without support from the Shiv Sena leadership. This context underscores the importance of Shah’s visit to Mumbai. While Shinde may have received a stern message from Modi in Delhi to avoid conflict within the coalition, Shah is expected to engage in tough talks with the ruling combine.
The MVA’s protest march to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai on November 1 against the Election Commission to highlight vote fraud cannot be ignored by the ruling coalition. The protest, which will include the Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), and other social groups, aims to bring all non-BJP forces together. Veteran leaders Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and Congress leaders will address the gathering. The MVA’s strategy is to unite all opposition forces and highlight issues such as vote fraud and civic amenities.
The BJP, under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, has established control over Maharashtra after the 2024 Assembly elections. However, each election brings new challenges, including managing relations with alliance partners. During his last visit, Shah had instructed BJP leaders to contest local body elections under the Mahayuti banner. In principle, Fadnavis has echoed this stance. During a Diwali get-together at Varsha, Fadnavis said, “We will have an alliance for local body polls in Mumbai. For Thane, the decision rests on Shinde. Where our local units don’t recommend an alliance, we will contest separately. Post-polls, we may join hands where possible.”
However, the BJP’s assertive stance has raised concerns within the Shiv Sena, which fears that the BJP may have strategies to weaken them across Maharashtra, including in Thane, Shinde’s home turf. Senior BJP minister Ganesh Naik has been given a free hand to hold public meetings and make decisions in Thane, often drawing sharp rebukes from Shiv Sena, which believes Naik is interfering in Shinde’s domain with the blessing of BJP’s top brass.
According to Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant, “In a coalition, everyone should respect each other. If BJP wants action against Dhangekar, they should do the same against their leaders in Navi Mumbai and Thane.” In Thane, local BJP leaders Sanjay Kelkar and Ganesh Naik have been vocal about their desire to contest independently and have BJP mayors in Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Amit Shah’s visit to Mumbai?
The main purpose of Amit Shah’s visit to Mumbai is to address the growing discord within the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and prepare for upcoming local body elections. He will also inaugurate the India Maritime Week event.
What are the key issues between the BJP and Shiv Sena?
Key issues between the BJP and Shiv Sena include political one-upmanship, allegations of corruption, and interference in each other’s domains. These tensions have strained the coalition’s relations and are a major focus for Amit Shah’s visit.
What is the MVA’s protest march about?
The MVA’s protest march to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai on November 1 is against the Election Commission to highlight vote fraud. It aims to unite all non-BJP forces and highlight issues such as vote fraud and civic amenities.
What is the BJP’s strategy for local body elections?
The BJP’s strategy for local body elections is to contest under the Mahayuti banner where possible. However, there are internal debates and tensions, especially in Thane, where the BJP and Shiv Sena are at loggerheads.
What is the significance of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s meeting with PM Modi?
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s meeting with PM Modi is significant as it may have included a stern message to avoid conflict within the coalition. Shinde emphasized the unity of NDA constituent parties, but the meeting also highlights the internal tensions within the ruling alliance.
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