MLAs from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena set to defect? Induction of Ajit Pawar in Maharashtra govt sparks buzz

livemint.com:

alliance (under MVA government) as one of the primary reasons behind his rebellion. And as Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders take potshots at the ruling faction, senior members of the Shinde faction have rushed to put out fires.  "The scope of ministerial aspirants from BJP and Shiv Sena minimised after NCP joined the government. This has upset some MLAs.

The Chief Minister is aware of this," news agency PTI quoted Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar as saying.  “Going by the seniority of its leaders, they will mostly get plum portfolios, which is our concern as those leaders will favour their party workers and use the funds to benefit them. This was exactly the reason why we decided to go with Shinde and revolt against our leader Uddhav Thackeray a year ago. If similar treatment takes places this time also, some of us will struggle to get re-elected," explained another party leader soon after the swearing in ceremony.

ALSO READ: Power of PM Modi, Amit Shah behind me: Shinde on ‘discontent’ within Sena camp Members of the Uddhav Thackeray faction also claim that MLAs from the Shiv Sena have started revolting. Some MLAs (from Shinde bloc) have been sending messages that they want to "seek forgiveness from 'Matoshree'," MP Vinayak Raut claimed on Thursdaywhile talking to reporters. He also added that many MLAs from the Shiv Sena had said that they would reply "positively" if 'Matoshree' approached them.

'Matoshree' in case you were wondering, is the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray. Shinde had led a 40 MLA rebellion against then CM Thackeray in 2022, leading to a split in the party and a government collapse. The recent NCP rebellion incidentally bears a strong resemblance to the earlier crisis.  (With inputs from