BJP no longer needs Eknath Shinde, claims NCP (SP); asks Dy CM to quit Mahayuti alliance

"If Eknath Shinde has any self-respect, he should leave the alliance with the BJP. If he does not move out at the right time, he will be shown the door soon," Crasto said in a statement on X.

The BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, headed by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, are the constituents of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra.

Crasto claimed the BJP has sent out a clear message that it "does not need Shinde anymore".

Sena ministers, barring Shinde, skipped the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, apparently over the BJP inducting their party leaders and workers in parts of the state, intensifying the unease in the Mahayuti ahead of the local body polls.

A meeting between Fadnavis and Sena ministers led by Shinde later brought a truce. Talking to reporters, Shinde said it was decided that the Mahayuti allies should refrain from inducting each other's leaders.

While Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik admitted that there was disgruntlement over inductions made (by the BJP) in Palghar, Thane and other districts, his party colleague Uday Samant claimed there was no discontent, and said the ministers did not boycott the meeting.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray slammed the ministers of the rival Sena faction for "boycotting' the cabinet, saying it was a selfish act and an "insult" to the people.

The development comes just days ahead of the first anniversary of the Fadnavis-headed Mahayuti government.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, Aaditya Thackeray claimed the Shinde-led party was upset as the BJP was trying to split it, and there were also issues regarding seat allocation for the coming local body polls.

"But boycotting a cabinet meeting for their selfish interests is an insult to Maharashtra and its people! Cabinet meetings are meant to solve the people's issues, not to handle your petty squabbles!" he said.