A brewing political storm erupted on Thursday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally in Maharashtra, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, exchanged sharp words following criticism in an article published by Organiser, a weekly known for its close ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The contentious article criticized the BJP's decision to ally with the NCP, sparking a heated response from NCP leaders. State minister Chhagan Bhujbal acknowledged the validity of some criticisms but also highlighted the BJP's alliances with former Congress leaders. ?To some extent, it (the article) may be true. Some have also criticised the BJP for including leaders from the Congress, such as former chief minister Ashok Chavan. Even former Congress leader Milind Deora was inducted by chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and made a Rajya Sabha member,? said Bhujbal. He also pointed out the BJP's declining seats in Uttar Pradesh and other states as a counterpoint to the article's criticism.
NCP Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel downplayed the significance of the article, asserting that it did not represent the BJP's official stance. "It should not be interpreted in that manner," Patel told PTI.
However, NCP youth wing leader Sooraj Chavan was more vociferous in his reaction. He criticized the tendency to credit the RSS for BJP's successes while blaming Ajit Pawar for defeats.
Responding to Chavan's comments, BJP MLC Pravin Darekar emphasized the respect and reverence for the RSS within the party. ?The RSS is like a father figure to all of us. There is no need to make comments about the RSS. Sooraj Chavan should not have rushed to comment on the organisation. The BJP has not commented against the NCP. It would be better if such issues are discussed during NDA meetings,? Darekar said.
In the midst of these exchanges, speculation arose regarding the stability of the BJP-NCP alliance. The New Indian Express, citing unnamed sources, suggested that the BJP might reconsider its ties with Ajit Pawar and instead contest upcoming assembly elections alongside Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. A senior BJP leader, speaking anonymously, highlighted the longstanding anti-Pawar sentiment within RSS-BJP ranks, exacerbated by Ajit Pawar's association with high
