MNS Rally Row Exposes Rift Within Mahayuti As Pratap Sarnaik Defies Fadnavis-Led Government

A protest march organized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti at Mira Road has highlighted a growing divide within the Mahayuti alliance, particularly between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena leader and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.

The rally, aimed at asserting Marathi identity, was denied permission by the police, leading to the detention of several MNS workers. While Chief Minister Fadnavis supported the police action, arguing that the rally could have been allowed if the organizers had altered their route to a less sensitive area, Sarnaik took a strong stand against his own government’s decision.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday morning, Sarnaik said, “I am Marathi first, and then a minister. The police action of detaining MNS workers was wrong. They should not act in the interest of just one party. I have raised my concern with the Mira-Bhayander Police Commissioner and will be speaking with the Chief Minister.”

Sarnaik further questioned the selective permission granted by the police, stating, “If permission was given to shopkeepers for a rally, why was it denied to the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti? What was the problem?” He even challenged the police by announcing his participation in the protest, daring them to arrest him.

This public disagreement between two key leaders of the ruling alliance has sparked speculation within political circles. Analysts suggest that Sarnaik's defiance is not an individual rebellion but may have been discussed with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. Shinde’s faction is under pressure, especially with the portfolios of School Education and Marathi Language under his control, and growing criticism from the opposition over their handling.

Complicating matters further, MNS chief Raj Thackeray—who was once allied with the Mahayuti—has recently aligned with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), increasing pressure on Shinde with the BMC elections around the corner. With the MNS and UBT Shiv Sena actively taking up Marathi-centric issues, Shinde's silence on the matter is being interpreted as a political misstep.

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Observers note that despite inheriting Bal Thackeray’s party name and symbol, Shinde’s Shiv Sena appears to be on the back foot when it comes to Marathi identity politics. The perception that the BJP-led Centre is promoting Hindi at the expense of regional languages has given the opposition an opportunity, which they are keen to exploit ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

Political analysts also highlight Shinde’s recent praise of Gujarat as further alienating Marathi voters. His apparent disconnect from the Marathi cause may create electoral challenges, particularly if the Marathi-speaking base begins to drift toward the MNS or UBT Shiv Sena.