BJP leader and State Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane’s recent comments have sparked a backlash from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s MLAs, with Mr. Rane’s brother and Shiv Sena leader Nilesh on Sunday (June 8, 2025) advising him to speak cautiously, hinting at underlying tensions within the ruling alliance.Mr. Nilesh asked him “not to forget that we are in alliance” over his remarks that the BJP is at the top, as Prime Minister at the Centre and the Chief Minister at the State are from the BJP. “Mahayuti’s atmosphere should remain good,” he said.“Nitesh should speak carefully. I will talk to him about this when we meet. However, he should be aware of what statements he is making. It’s easy to address a public meeting, but you should know who you are actually benefiting from your speech,” said Mr. Nilesh on X.On Saturday, while addressing a public meeting in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district, Mr. Rane said, “BJP workers should keep in mind, PM is from the BJP at the Centre and CM is also from the BJP, so no matter who shows power, the father of all in Maharashtra is Devendra Fadnavis.” The statement was seen as a warning, particularly targeted at the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, highlighting the cracks in Mahayuti. Mr. Rane’s remarks were based on the recent stalling of ₹268-crore projects in Dharashiv on the instructions of Devendra Fadnavis, sparking outrage among local representatives. Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik has been the Guardian Minister of Dharashiv.BJP State president and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also tried to cover for Mr. Rane, saying, “He should have said the Chief Minister is the head and he will give justice, but kind of made the unconstitutional remark.”Meanwhile, Mr. Rane’s remarks have also disappointed Shiv Sena (UBT), including party leader Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. Mr. Nimbalkar said, “It is unfortunate that a Minister is using such unconstitutional language. However, by making such statements, people will understand the reason for delayed development of roads.” He also asked, “What happened to BJP’s slogan of rashtra pratham, party dwitya, vyakti tritya (nation first, party second, and person third) and said, “The projects are not funded from the properties of Mr. Nitish Rane; they come from the GST that people pay.”Published - June 08, 2025 10:01 pm IST