Factional Feud Erupts In Shinde Shiv Sena In Akola
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Akola: A major rift has surfaced within the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with two district chiefs openly rebelling against party leader and former MLC Gopikishan Bajoriya. The tension stems from the recent appointment of four district chiefs in Akola — a first for the party in the district — with the inclusion of two allegedly controversial names triggering dissent.
Appointment of Narayanrao Gawhankar and Chandrashekhar Pandey (Guruji) as new district heads sparked outrage among incumbent Shrirang Pinjarkar and Ashwin Navale. On Friday, both leaders held a protest meeting wherein they blamed Bajoriya of weakening the party by getting Gawhankar and Pandey appointed as district heads by 'misleading the party high command'.
The leaders also accused Bajoriya of corruption, land grab, and even siding with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi during the legislative council elections.
The protesters claimed Bajoriya had helped Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan secure support, thereby harming BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) alliance's prospects.
Following the meeting, angry Shiv Sena workers from the rebel faction burned Bajoriya's posters and effigies at two separate locations. Chants of 'Remove Bajoriya, Save Shiv Sena' filled the air as party symbols were desecrated with footwear — a sign of extreme protest in local political culture.
In response, Bajoriya hit back and dismissed the accusations. "The move to appoint four district heads is aimed at expanding the party's base in Akola. Those making allegations are simply frustrated non-performers," he said.
The infighting within Shiv Sena's Akola unit could pose a serious challenge for Shinde-led faction, especially ahead of upcoming elections. Such divisions may not only impact local organizational strength but also dent the image of the ruling alliance in the region, say political observers.
The leadership will now be under pressure to manage the crisis and prevent further escalation. Whether the Shiv Sena (Shinde) can hold its ground and emerge united will be closely watched across Maharashtra.
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