Alliance under strain as BJP, Shiv Sena eye NCP's territory

BJP and NCP said to be uncomfortable with tie-up; Pawar's position becomes increasingly untenable in western Maharashtra

- Rohit Chandavarkar

In western Maharashtra the biggest talking point currently is the tussle between NCP chief Ajit Pawar and the BJP.

Ajit Pawar may have joined the Mahayuti alliance and become part of the BJP-led government, but the buzz on the ground now indicates that both sides, the BJP as well as the NCP, are extremely uncomfortable with this alliance. The bone of contention seems to be the key seats in many districts of western Maharashtra where the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena want to establish themselves.

Ajit Pawar feels that it is his territory and he should be left alone there. Though Ajit Pawar did hold a meeting with Union minister Amit Shah before Shah left for New Delhi, it is unclear how much long-term impact it will make on the ground in western Maharashtra.