Maharashtra Civic Polls: Raut-Shinde Meet, Alliance Shocks & Defection Rumors Stir Politics

• Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut met Eknath Shinde, sparking political speculation despite their past rivalry.
• Deputy CM Eknath Shinde met Dagdu Sakpal, a senior Thackeray group leader, fueling rumors of internal strife and potential defections.
• Shiv Sena spokesperson Raju Waghmare dismissed the 'Islamic State' claim in Maharashtra as baseless, emphasizing strict action against fraudulent voting.
• BJP formed surprising alliances with Congress in Ambernath and AIMIM in Akot for municipal council presidencies, leading to Congress suspending its corporators.
• AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned an alleged attack on Imtiaz Jaleel and accused BJP, NCP, and Shiv Senas of conspiring against MIM.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra civic elections are marked by unexpected alliances, internal party conflicts, and high-stakes political maneuvering.