Tensions within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have intensified after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar praised Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his governance. The move has reportedly not gone down well with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, sources told India Today TV.

Pawar, 84, felicitated Shinde with the ‘Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar’ during the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference, where he served as the chair. His remarks, commending Shinde’s leadership, have further strained relations within the MVA.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticism

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly objected to Pawar’s gesture, equating it to honoring Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He accused Shinde of betraying the Shiv Sena with the BJP’s backing.

“Sharad Pawar did not just felicitate Shinde, but also Amit Shah in spirit. We don’t understand Delhi politics, but we do understand politics,” Raut said, as quoted by PTI.

Pawar’s party, however, defended the move, arguing that the event was about literature, not politics. NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe dismissed the criticism, stating that Pawar displayed statesmanship by keeping politics separate from such functions.

Pawar’s Recent Praise for BJP and RSS

This is not the first instance of Pawar lauding political opponents. Last month, he credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the BJP’s decisive victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, citing its disciplined approach and Hindutva-driven campaign as key factors.

The BJP-led Mahayuti secured a landslide win in Maharashtra, clinching 230 out of 288 seats. The Shiv Sena and NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. Meanwhile, the MVA was reduced to 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning 20, Congress 16, and NCP (SP) 10.

Shinde’s Response and Political Jibes

During the award ceremony, Shinde reciprocated Pawar’s appreciation, acknowledging his ability to maintain cross-party relations. He humorously likened Pawar to his father-in-law Sadashiv Shinde, a cricketer known for his deceptive googly deliveries, and expressed hope that Pawar wouldn’t surprise him with a political "googly" in the future.

Shinde also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for their unwavering support of Maharashtra, attributing the state’s rapid development to their leadership. He reiterated his allegiance to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and his mentor Anand Dighe.

Sanjay Raut’s Scathing Remarks

Sanjay Raut didn’t hold back his criticism, alleging that awards like the one given to Shinde were "bought and sold." He dismissed the event as a “political gathering of brokers” orchestrated by the BJP and RSS, questioning why individuals he deemed "traitors of Maharashtra" were being honored at a Marathi literary festival.

With tensions rising within the MVA, Pawar’s actions have once again sparked debates over his political strategy and its implications for opposition unity in Maharashtra.