The Shiv Sena criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its open-door policy of welcoming leaders after accusing them of corruption. This approach, highlighted in the party’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana,’ has caused dissatisfaction among party veterans. Former BJP Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar expressed discontent with the party’s organizational structure, likening it to a village without doors like Shani Shingnapur.
The BJP, despite recent electoral successes in Maharashtra, faced setbacks in Chandrapur, Mungantiwar’s home district. Mungantiwar criticized the party’s practice of allowing anyone to join at any time, emphasizing that the BJP has become a party with “no doors.” This trend of admitting leaders from diverse political backgrounds is not limited to a single district but reflects a national pattern, as per the editorial.
Mungantiwar’s frustration stemmed from the BJP’s poor performance in Chandrapur’s elections, where the party won only two out of 11 municipal seats. He attributed this loss to internal factionalism and lack of support from party leadership. The editorial highlighted Mungantiwar’s perception of being sidelined after being replaced as the state’s Finance Minister by Ajit Pawar.
The internal discord within the BJP escalated with public disagreements among party members. Mungantiwar’s plan for a ‘Dialogue Tour’ across the state, aimed at addressing party workers’ concerns, was swiftly canceled by party leadership. The Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, echoed Mungantiwar’s sentiments, emphasizing that the party’s open-door policy compromises its identity and loyalty of dedicated activists.
