Nashik, Aug. 25 -- Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse today directed Shiv Sena workers to prepare candidates for every ward and committee ahead of local body elections, signalling the party's readiness to contest independently if required.
"Be ready to hoist the saffron flag in every municipal and district council constituency, even if it means contesting alone," Bhuse told party workers at a meeting here.
The directive has triggered speculation whether the Eknath Shinde-led faction is genuinely preparing for solo contests or pressuring ally BJP for better seat-sharing arrangements.
Political observers point to underlying tensions between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Shinde, with reports suggesting Fadnavis is ...