Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 31: In politics, not every criticism needs a sharp verbal response. Sometimes, a photograph accompanied by a few carefully chosen words can convey a message. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban adopted this approach while responding to Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane amid the growing differences within the Mahayuti alliance.

Tensions between the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have surfaced following the Legislative Council elections for teachers' and graduates' constituencies. Ban had accused the Shinde-led Shiv Sena of not cooperating with the BJP during the elections. The exchange of allegations has since intensified, with Ban and Ravindra Dhangekar also trading criticism.

Nilesh Rane joined the war of words after Ban criticised Eknath Shinde. Taking a swipe at Ban, Rane said that Ban was not his friend but his junior, adding that he had become an MP in 2009 when Ban was still a child.

"I do not make just anybody my friend," Rane had remarked, questioning Ban's standing.

Responding to the remarks, Ban chose not to engage in another round of verbal attacks. Instead, he shared photographs on social media showing him alongside Nilesh Rane's father, former Union minister Narayan Rane, at a press conference.

In one of the photographs, Ban is seen seated beside Narayan Rane and speaking with him. Sharing the pictures, Ban used the caption, "Junior Navnath Ban with senior Rane Saheb."

By using the very word 'junior' that Nilesh Rane had directed at him, Ban turned the remark into a pointed social media response. He did not use aggressive language or make any personal allegations against the Shiv Sena MLA.

The post has drawn attention amid the continuing exchange of remarks between leaders of the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena following the Legislative Council elections.