Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 25: The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has decided to contest the upcoming elections together and refrain from making critical or contradictory remarks against alliance partners, state Revenue Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Monday.

The decision comes amid recent controversies involving alleged audio clips of BJP leaders using foul language against other leaders, as well as critical remarks made by some Shiv Sena MLAs against NCP state president Sunil Tatkare.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Mahayuti alliance leaders in Mumbai, Bawankule said the alliance partners had agreed that even local body elections would be contested under the Mahayuti banner.

He said the Mahayuti formula would be mandatory for all alliance partners and that no party should make critical remarks against another constituent.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the three main alliance parties and six ministers, Bawankule said, adding that issues concerning the alliance were discussed internally.

“When you are part of Mahayuti, there should not be any confusion or contradictory remarks. No one should criticise their allies,” he said.

Bawankule also dismissed speculation about a possible change in the state’s leadership, asserting that there was no question of replacing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He said the opposition was raising the issue because it was unable to counter Fadnavis politically.

“Opposition parties talk about his replacement as they cannot do their work because of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. We have secured such a huge mandate, so why should we go for a change of the head?” Bawankule said.

The minister said the alliance partners also discussed the utilisation of development funds and agreed to strengthen communication and coordination among the constituent parties.

He said Mahayuti comprises nearly 12 political parties and that greater dialogue would be maintained among all partners.

Bawankule said the alliance would contest elections together and implement its promises to the people as a united front.

He said Maharashtra has nearly 170 corporations with more than 650 members and that appointments to these corporations would be completed within a month, with all alliance partners agreeing to the plan.

The minister said district guardian ministers had also been given details regarding the utilisation of development funds and the formula to be followed.

On education, Bawankule said the state government was undertaking an overhaul of the sector and would use funds to improve school infrastructure.

He said the process would take time but that the government was making progress.

Bawankule also responded to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's support for a young tribal woman who had raised concerns regarding students seeking admission to hostels run by the Tribal Development Department.

He said Chief Minister Fadnavis had already taken up the issue and criticised Gandhi for commenting without obtaining complete information.

The issue was raised during Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme, where the young woman highlighted the difficulties faced by students seeking accommodation in tribal department-run hostels. Gandhi had expressed his willingness to support their cause.