Speculation of growing cracks within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance is expected to intensify after the state government assigned key Independence Day flag-hoisting duties in Raigad and Nashik to leaders from the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction.

According to a circular issued by the Protocol Department, NCP minister Aditi Tatkare will hoist the national flag in Raigad on August 15, while BJP minister Girish Mahajan will perform the ceremony in Nashik. The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing tussles over the Guardian Minister posts in these districts, positions that carry significant administrative and political weight.

In Raigad, Shiv Sena cabinet minister Bharat Gogawale has been staking claim to the Guardian Minister role and had publicly expressed confidence that he would lead the Independence Day event. Instead, the assignment to Aditi Tatkare — who represents Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction — has dealt a fresh blow to Eknath Shinde’s camp.

A similar situation has unfolded in Nashik, where the BJP’s Girish Mahajan has been chosen for the ceremonial role despite a long-standing claim from Shinde Sena. This move effectively keeps the Sena out of the spotlight in a politically important district ahead of local body elections.

These developments underline persistent frictions within the Mahayuti coalition, which comprises the BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.

While public statements from alliance leaders often stress unity, the repeated disputes over influential posts reveal ongoing jostling for dominance at the district level.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier stayed the appointments of Guardian Ministers in both Raigad and Nashik, reportedly to avoid worsening the turf war within the alliance.

However, the latest decision on flag-hoisting responsibilities — seen as a matter of prestige and local political influence — appears to have tilted in favour of the BJP and the NCP, leaving the Shinde camp visibly disappointed.

Political observers note that such symbolic gestures carry significant implications in Maharashtra’s competitive political landscape, especially in the run-up to local body polls.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies on Independence Day are high-visibility events, often leveraged by parties to strengthen their grassroots presence and signal administrative authority.

With the Mahayuti partners vying for influence and electoral advantage, the Independence Day line-up has once again brought to the fore the uneasy balance of power within the alliance — and may deepen speculation about its long-term stability.

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