In Maharashtra’s political sphere, BJP MLA Ram Satpute has accused senior party leaders of sabotaging his election campaign in Malshiras. He alleged that Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, a BJP MLC, misused funds allocated for his sugar factory to support opposition candidate Uttamrao Jankar, leading to Satpute’s defeat by a margin of 13,147 votes.
Satpute claimed, “Mohite-Patil diverted BJP resources for personal gains and hindered our campaign efforts. Such actions are unacceptable, and the party must expel him immediately.”
He also provided photographic evidence showing Mohite-Patil purportedly backing Jankar during rallies.
Simultaneously, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas criticized another party MLC, Pankaja Munde, accusing her of undermining the party’s unity. “Pankajatai, you were like a sister to me. However, your actions, including endorsing an independent candidate, were a betrayal,” said Dhas.
Munde, a former state minister, reportedly faced internal differences with the BJP, with some party members suggesting she has been distancing herself from key leadership, potentially signaling dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who allocated ₹113 crore for the sugar factory project, has not yet commented on the allegations. However, sources suggest that tensions within the BJP’s ranks could escalate if these claims are not addressed promptly.
The allegations come in the wake of the BJP’s dominant performance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the Mahayuti alliance, including BJP and Shiv Sena, won 132 and 57 seats, respectively. Meanwhile, the opposition’s Sharad Pawar-led NCP secured just 10 seats, reflecting the BJP’s significant electoral gains.
This internal discord has prompted calls for disciplinary action against those accused of disloyalty. Analysts believe that resolving these issues swiftly is crucial for maintaining the BJP’s stronghold in Maharashtra.
