In a dramatic political development ahead of Maharashtra’s civic elections, several Shiv Sena ministers abstained from the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, signaling growing friction within the BJP-led Mahayuti government. Only Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, attended the session at Mantralaya, sources told India TV.

The boycott appears to be a clear message to the BJP, expressing displeasure over the party allegedly luring Sena workers and leaders. Recent defections from Shiv Sena to BJP in Kalyan-Dombivli are reported to have triggered the unrest.

Following the cabinet meeting, Sena ministers reportedly met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis privately to convey their concerns regarding the defections. Fadnavis reminded them that Shiv Sena had previously inducted BJP members in Ulhasnagar, emphasizing that alliance partners cannot object when similar moves occur. He added that going forward, allies should refrain from poaching each other’s workers to maintain harmony within the Mahayuti alliance, which also includes the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

Reacting sharply, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged that some ministers from the BJP’s Munde faction were unhappy with leadership decisions on seat allocation and were attempting to create a split within the party. In a post on X, Thackeray wrote: "I've just learned that today, ministers from the Munde faction boycotted the cabinet meeting. They didn't go! Why? Because they are angry with the Chief Minister and BJP over seat allocation and are reportedly trying to split their own party!"

Thackeray criticized the boycott, calling it an insult to governance and the people of Maharashtra. "Cabinet meetings are meant to solve the people's issues, not handle petty squabbles! How is this governance going on?! All of this is worrisome for Maharashtra," he added.