Maharashtra Politics: BJP’s Ganesh Naik Holds Janta Darbar In Thane, Sparking Speculation Amid Mahayuti Dynamics

BJP leader and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Monday held a janta darbar in Thane, the home turf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, rejecting speculation of one-upmanship in the Mahayuti alliance.

Naik, however, added that no one holds permanent dominance in politics and leadership changes over time, based on public acceptance.

He said the next public hearing would be held in Thane next month.

With Eknath Shinde being the Guardian Minister of Thane, Shiv Sena has raised questions about the Palghar Guardian Minister holding a janta darbar in Thane. Speculations suggest that this move is an attempt to corner Shinde. Amid the backdrop of the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections, it appears that Naik is aiming to expand the BJP’s influence in the region.

Speaking to reporters, Naik, an MLA from neighbouring Navi Mumbai, dismissed speculation about political rivalries.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and all the ministers, are working together in a complementary manner, stated Ganesh Naik.

He highlighted that since 1995, when he first became a minister, he has been regularly holding such public meetings. He has organised janta darbars in Thane city, Mira Bhayandar, Navi Mumbai, and every taluka in the district.

He stated that the purpose of organising the Janta Darbar was to address citizens' issues without requiring them to travel long distances. Naik further said, “Not all citizens can come to the ministry to present their grievances, and ministers often face the question of where to meet them. Therefore, the janta darbar was organised to go directly to the people. He added that petitions were accepted during the janta darbar, and in the next one, a review of the actions taken on those petitions will be provided.

Amid the political rivalry between BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leaders, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that he would hold a Janta Darbar in Palghar district, which is dominated by the BJP. Sarnaik stated that there is nothing wrong in organising a janta darbar, whether it is to strengthen the party organisation or to address the common people’s issues.