In a closed-door meeting that reflected rising tensions within Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena party chief Eknath Shinde addressed party leaders over the mounting backlash triggered by recent controversies involving senior members. The meeting came in the wake of two highly publicised incidents—one involving MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, and the other involving Minister Sanjay Shirsat—that have placed the ruling faction of the Shiv Sena under intense public and media scrutiny.

Eknath Shinde, who has taken the reins of the party since its split from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, issued a stern and unequivocal message to party MLAs and ministers. Speaking at a gathering of Shiv Sena leaders in Mumbai’s Dadar, the Deputy CM warned that the party's reputation and leadership were being tarnished by the irresponsible actions of some of its members. He urged all party functionaries to adopt a “speak less, work more” culture, while reminding them that their behavior reflects on him personally as the face of the party.

The Controversies: Gaikwad and Shirsat in Spotlight

The disciplinary call came after two disturbing incidents caught public attention:

• MLA Sanjay Gaikwad was filmed slapping and punching a canteen staff member at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Mumbai. The reason? Allegedly being served stale food. The video quickly went viral and sparked widespread criticism, raising questions about the temperament and conduct of elected officials.

• Minister Sanjay Shirsat, on the other hand, was allegedly seen in a viral video surrounded by bundles of cash. This visual emerged just days after reports surfaced of him receiving an Income Tax notice, further fueling public outrage and media commentary.

These back-to-back controversies have embarrassed the party and offered the opposition ample fodder for criticism. They’ve also raised concerns among the party's senior leadership about the future stability and image of Shiv Sena, especially with the 2024 split still fresh in public memory.

Shinde’s Candid Message: "People Point Fingers at Me"

Sources reveal that in the meeting, Eknath Shinde was visibly agitated. He told party leaders that the public does not blame the individual MLA or minister, but instead questions the leadership. “People point fingers at me, not you. They ask what your MLAs are doing. Your missteps reflect poorly on me and on all of us as a team,” he reportedly said.

The Eknath Shinde news remarks drew the attention of political observers and media outlets who noted the unusually blunt tone used by the Deputy CM, which suggests that the leadership is losing patience with repeated misbehavior by a select few.

Shinde said that while he considers the party a family, discipline must be maintained. “You all are my own people. Your defamation is my defamation. Speak less and work more. Don’t waste time on wrong things.” The message was clear: focus on governance, not drama.

The Warning: "I May Have to Take Action"

Most significantly, Shinde issued an indirect but powerful warning that if such behavior continues, he would be left with no choice but to act—even if it means removing ministers from their posts.

“I don’t like to take action against my own people, but if such irresponsible acts continue, then steps will have to be taken,” he warned, indicating that tolerance for indiscipline within the ranks was wearing thin.

Party insiders reveal that this is the strongest internal rebuke since Shinde assumed leadership of the faction. Eknath Shinde’s statement not only reflects his concern for the party’s image but also his effort to reinforce internal discipline, especially ahead of key elections and policy milestones.

Alliance Image at Stake

The controversies have also triggered unease within the broader ruling alliance in Maharashtra, which includes the BJP. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to sources, has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of some Shiv Sena members, suggesting that these incidents could damage the public perception of the entire coalition government.

In Maharashtra's complex political landscape, where public perception and party discipline play a pivotal role, such episodes can prove costly—not just electorally but also in governance. With opposition parties like Congress and NCP seeking every opportunity to discredit the ruling camp, the Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena controversy has become a flashpoint in state politics.

A Call for Caution and Unity

Toward the end of the meeting, Shinde made an appeal for unity, caution, and dignity in public life. He said that the party had seen immense success in a short time, but this made it all the more vulnerable to external attacks and reputation damage. “A lot of success has been achieved in a short time. Hence, attempts will be made to tarnish the party’s name and image. All leaders must stay alert and maintain discipline,” he added.

This comment resonates with a broader political narrative where internal cohesion and damage control have become as important as policy-making. Eknath Shinde's leadership, which has so far relied heavily on balancing performance and loyalty, may now be at a turning point, with discipline becoming non-negotiable.

Looking Ahead: Course Correction or Crisis?

The meeting chaired by Shinde is being seen as a decisive moment in Shiv Sena's internal restructuring post the 2022 split. Analysts suggest that such firm messaging could either course-correct the internal culture or lead to fractures if senior members continue defying party expectations.

What’s clear, however, is that Eknath Shinde is determined to uphold a clean image for his leadership. By drawing a direct line between individual misconduct and collective responsibility, he has reinforced the idea that reputation is a shared asset—and liability.

As the Sanjay Gaikwad video and the Sanjay Shirsat cash video continue to circulate, this meeting and Shinde’s rebuke may set the tone for how future controversies will be dealt with by the party. Whether this strong stance translates into tangible disciplinary measures remains to be seen, but the message is loud and clear: irresponsibility will not be tolerated, and image matters in the evolving narrative of Maharashtra politics.

With Maharashtra Assembly elections looming, and the coalition government under constant watch, Shiv Sena’s top brass, led by Eknath Shinde, is making it known that discipline is no longer just desirable—it’s essential.

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