Mahayuti Rift Surfaces Ahead of Civic Polls as BJP, Ajit Pawar Exchange Sharp Barbs

The latest flashpoint came after Ajit Pawar, who heads a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), responded to comments by BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol questioning the NCP’s decision to field candidates facing criminal cases. Addressing a press conference in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Friday, Pawar said the same leaders who had once accused him of a ₹70,000 crore irrigation scam were now sharing power with him. He added that allegations alone do not establish guilt unless proven in court.

Pawar’s remarks drew a swift reaction from BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, who on Saturday cautioned the Deputy Chief Minister to “look within himself.” Chavan said that if the BJP chose to respond in similar terms, it could create serious political trouble for Pawar. He also questioned whether Pawar was indirectly casting aspersions on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP leadership at the Centre, warning that a cycle of accusations would only deepen friction within the alliance.

The exchange comes at a sensitive time, as the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—despite governing together—are contesting the civic elections independently. The contest is further complicated by a direct battle between Pawar’s NCP faction and the rival group led by his uncle Sharad Pawar.

Adding to the political churn, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut suggested that Ajit Pawar should consider reuniting with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Raut said it was contradictory for Pawar to accuse the BJP of corruption while continuing as part of the Mahayuti government.

Meanwhile, just 13 days before polling, the ruling alliance has already secured a significant advantage, with 68 candidates elected unopposed across municipal bodies. Of these, the BJP won 44 seats, Shinde’s Shiv Sena 22, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP just two. Polling will be held on January 15 for the remaining 2,801 seats across 29 municipal corporations, with results due on January 16.

The civic elections, particularly in Mumbai, are seen as a prestige battle. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Asia’s richest civic body with a budget exceeding ₹74,000 crore, has long been a political stronghold. With alliances fractured and rivals regrouping, the public sparring within Mahayuti risks complicating coordination even as the coalition seeks to consolidate its urban dominance.