Conflict erupts within the Mahayuti! A plot to eliminate a Shinde-faction MLA? Sensational allegations against Sunil Tatkare.

Raigad, October 27: The rift between the Mahayuti allies—the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction)—has flared up once again. Shinde-faction MLA Mahendra Thorve has launched a scathing attack on MP Sunil Tatkare, leveling serious allegations against him. Describing Tatkare as a "treacherous leader," Thorve has made the sensational claim that Tatkare is "attempting to put out a contract (supari) to have me killed." MLA Mahendra Thorve stated, "We have met with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and lodged a complaint regarding how Sunil Tatkare has been working against the Shiv Sena in the district. During the Legislative Council elections, we supported Aniket Tatkare as the Mahayuti candidate; setting aside our political differences, we followed Eknath Shinde’s directives. However, now that his son has become an MLA, Tatkare has resumed his old tactics—threatening officials in my constituency, convening meetings, and interfering in my work." Thorve added, "We have long maintained that Sunil Tatkare is a treacherous leader. I now feel that supporting his son was a grave mistake. Had Mahendra Dalvi and I chosen otherwise at the time, his son would never have become an MLA. But we chose to follow orders. Sunil Tatkare is the type of person who stabs you in the back—he is now trying to arrange a 'contract' to have me eliminated." MLA Thorve also issued a stern warning. He stated, “Sunil Tatkare is hatching a plot to finish me off. He intends to sow discord among us and then reap the benefits, regardless of the consequences. I have even informed ‘Saheb’ (Sharad Pawar) that Sunil Tatkare could betray or harm me at any moment. I am not at all afraid in politics; my death will come when it is destined to. However, if Sunil Tatkare chooses to play devious games, we will respond in kind. Whatever happens, happens.” There is now talk within political circles that this conflict between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Raigad district could impact the internal dynamics of the ‘Mahayuti’ (ruling alliance).