Ganesh Naik Threatens to "Erase" Eknath Shinde in Political Swipe

Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Ganesh Naik has sparked fresh political controversy after making a sharp remark targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reviving visible tensions within the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance. Speaking at a public event in Mumbai, Naik suggested that if the BJP leadership allowed him, he could politically “erase” Shinde’s presence, a statement that quickly drew attention amid the ongoing suspense over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayoral post.

Naik’s comments come against the backdrop of recently concluded municipal election results, which have intensified jockeying for power among alliance partners. With the BMC mayor’s position yet to be finalized, political equations within Maharashtra’s ruling coalition remain fluid, and public remarks such as Naik’s have underlined the unease simmering beneath the surface.

The BJP leader reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the alliance’s electoral strategy, arguing that his party could have delivered a stronger performance had it contested certain seats independently. His remarks were seen as an indirect critique of seat-sharing arrangements and coordination with the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, which has been a key ally of the BJP at the state level.

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Ganesh Naik, a veteran politician with a strong base in the Thane–Navi Mumbai region, has in the past also made blunt statements reflecting internal differences within the alliance. Observers note that his latest comments signal frustration within sections of the BJP over power-sharing dynamics, particularly in high-stakes civic bodies like the BMC, which wields significant political and financial influence.

So far, there has been no official response from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or his party to Naik’s remarks. Senior leaders from both sides have also refrained from commenting publicly, even as speculation continues over how the mayoral decision will be resolved.

The episode highlights the fragile balance within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance, where electoral compulsions often coexist with internal rivalries. As negotiations over the BMC mayor and other key positions continue, political watchers believe such statements could further complicate alliance management in the days ahead.

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