Shinde, who holds key portfolios of urban development and PSUs, has created trouble for the alliance in the past few months. The defeat in the Rajya Sabha and MLC elections this month confirmed his fears. “It was clear that in the RS elections, other parties and independents also supported the BJP. So it was a matter of who would land first. After the MLC elections, it became clear that the government was in a minority, so this step had to be taken, An army leader close to him said.
Shinde, known in Shiv Sena circles as a serious, professional but calm politician, is said to have told the leadership a few weeks ago that the party should forge an alliance with the BJP keeping in mind the local body elections and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Should consider upgrading.
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His decision to revolt, citing his unwavering belief in Hindutva, indicated his firm belief that the Shiv Sena’s core vote bank of Hindu and Maharashtrian voters had been lost after tying up with the Congress and the NCP. Shinde is seen as a key figure who can mobilize resources for the party, including manpower and finance.
Moreover, insiders said that Shinde was unhappy with the interference of other Shiv Sena ministers in his portfolios. “Secretaries and IAS officers of their departments like urban development were asked not to sign any file without the consent of the CMO. Dozens of party MLAs queued up at Shinde’s office for money but Shinde was denied the distribution of funds. He was kept away. He was also kept out of the decision-making process for the RS and MLC elections,” said a Shinde camp functionary.
“More importance was given to Chief Minister’s son and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray and Yuva Sena. Even during MLC elections, important roles were assigned to Yuva Sena leaders. Moreover, it was felt that Shiv Sena was being governed. was. Sanjay Raut who was setting the agenda on a daily basis.” Another Shiv Sena leader cited lack of access to the chief minister as a reason for the rebellion.