In a bid to fortify the ruling Mahayuti coalition ahead of crucial local body elections, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule declared on Thursday that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a stern directive to party members: refrain from remarks that could fracture ties with allies Shiv Sena and NCP. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Bawankule emphasized the BJP’s role as the “elder brother” in the alliance, which includes Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, as the coalition braces for high-stakes polls across 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Thane, and Nagpur, alongside numerous urban and rural local bodies.

Bawankule revealed that Fadnavis recently conducted six divisional meetings with BJP leaders and workers, hammering home the need for unity. “No BJP leader will make divisive comments about Mahayuti, even if alliance partners field candidates against us in local polls,” Bawankule asserted, underscoring the party’s commitment to maintaining harmony. He stressed that this discipline is critical as the coalition navigates competitive electoral battles while projecting a united front to voters. The directive comes in response to occasional public spats and conflicting statements from coalition partners, which risked eroding Mahayuti’s collective strength.

The urgency of this call for cohesion is amplified by the Supreme Court’s mandate last month, ordering the Maharashtra State Election Commission to hold these long-delayed local body elections by January 31, 2026. With time ticking, the BJP is keen to avoid internal bickering that could embolden opposition forces, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP). Political analysts suggest that maintaining a cohesive Mahayuti is vital for the BJP to leverage its organizational muscle and consolidate voter support in urban strongholds like Mumbai, where civic governance issues like infrastructure and sanitation are hot-button topics.

Also Read: Sapkal's Ultimatum to Fadnavis: "Deliver Aid Now, or Face the Harvest of Revolt in 2027"

Bawankule’s remarks also signal a strategic pivot to project maturity and leadership within the coalition. “As the elder brother, the BJP must set an example for our allies and ensure our workers convey a message of unity,” he said, hinting at rigorous internal training to align grassroots cadres with this vision. The coalition’s success in the upcoming polls could hinge on this delicate balancing act, as factional tensions or public missteps risk alienating voters in a state known for its complex political landscape. As Maharashtra gears up for the electoral showdown, all eyes are on Mahayuti to see if the BJP’s “big brother” approach can keep the alliance intact and deliver a resounding mandate.

Also Read: Amit Shah's Maharashtra Mission: Farmers' Relief Promised