Wed Feb 12 16:34:35 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra’s INDIA Alliance Fractures After Pawar Felicitates Shinde

**Mumbai, February 12, 2025** – A political storm erupted within India’s opposition INDIA alliance after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar felicitated Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggering a sharp rebuke from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.

The controversy began on February 11th when Pawar honored Shinde at an event in New Delhi. This sparked outrage within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with leader Sanjay Raut accusing Pawar of essentially felicitating BJP leader Amit Shah and undermining the INDIA alliance’s unity. Raut questioned the move, stating that Shinde had “destroyed Maharashtra” and dishonored the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. He demanded a reassessment of the alliance’s current dynamics.

The NCP (SP) responded sharply, with MP Amol Kolhe advising Raut to focus on internal party matters, highlighting that the Shiv Sena (UBT) hadn’t publicly criticized Uddhav Thackeray’s congratulatory visit to Ajit Pawar upon his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister.

Adding fuel to the fire, members of Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction visited Pawar in Delhi, underscoring the deepening rift. Naresh Mhaske, from the Shinde group, dismissed Raut’s criticism as the ramblings of someone needing psychiatric help.

The dispute further intensified with Raut contradicting Pawar’s claims about Shinde’s contribution to Thane’s development, stating that Thane’s progress was solely due to the Shiv Sena under Bal Thackeray’s leadership.

While Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also arrived in Delhi, sources stated his visit was personal, though a courtesy call on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was possible. The incident highlights a significant fracture within the INDIA alliance’s Maharashtra contingent, raising questions about its future cohesion.

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