BJP bid to capture ground in Shinde's turf

Palghar guardian min Ganesh Naik's decision to hold Janata Darbar in Thane challenges Shinde's authority

- Shailesh Gaikwad

MUMBAI: A resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emboldened by its sweeping victory in the recent assembly elections, is determined to expand its dominance – even at the expense of its allies. The party, which has been making inroads into districts where it does not have its guardian ministers, plans to stomp all over the turf of deputy chief minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde.

Although Shinde is guardian minister of Thane, BJP minister Ganesh Naik, who is guardian minister of neighbouring Palghar district, will hold a Janata Darbar in Thane. Naik, who hails from Navi Mumbai and is also state forest minister, said he will be holding a Janata Darbar in Thane city every month, where citizens can meet him and present their grievances. "Although I am guardian minister of Palghar, I will also hold a Janata Darbar in Thane," Naik said on Tuesday.

The BJP has not forgotten Shinde's big sulk after the assembly elections. More recently, Shinde raised strong objections to the appointment of guardian ministers in some districts in the state. Now, Naik's move is undeniably aimed at challenging Shinde's authority on his home ground. Adding insult to injury, Naik made his announcement on the sidelines of a BJP event in Kopri – right in the heart of Shinde's assembly constituency. The move is bound to intensify the political rivalry between the two former colleagues from the undivided Shiv Sena.