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

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News18•08-01-2026, 16:55
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.
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