MUMBAI: Power politics in Maharashtra got more curious with the Shiv Sena announcing an agitation against the state government in which it is a partner with 12 cabinet berths. The ostensible issue is high prices but this latest bout of sabre-rattling comes amidst speculation that the party might face a split now that Narayan Rane is poised to enter the ruling BJP and reduce Sena’s leverage over Devendra Fadnavis.
Just before the Shiv Sena announced that its party workers would agitate on the issue of rising petrol and diesel prices, Ravi Rana, an independent MLA from Amravati, did some kite-flying about an impending split in the Sena. He said at least 20-22 MLAs, three or four ministers among them, are likely to quit the party.
"You'll see at least three or four Shiv Sena ministers at Varsha (Fadnavis’s official residence) instead of Shivaji Park on Dasara (a customary rally headed by the Shiv Sena chief)," Rana said.
Ravi Rana has the reputation of being a seasoned political tipster in Maharashtra politics. His prediction about heavy cross-voting in Maharashtra in the presidential poll came true back in July. At least 23 opposition MLAs voted in favour of NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind against their party line.
Rana also said the six Independent MLAs are in touch with the BJP to bail it out if the Sena withdraws its support to the Fadnavis government.
While Narayan Rane’s foray into the BJP is being widely tipped, revenue and PWD minister Chandrakant Patil distanced himself from it all, saying the potential defector has not been in contact with BJP leaders. He also denied saying that he would resign his own place in the ministry to make way for Rane.
"When I was asked whether Narayan Rane's decision to join the BJP is being delayed due to his demand for the PWD portfolio, I simply said if that is the case I won't hesitate to vacate the department in the party's interest," Patil said.