The split of Shiv Sena as a consequence of the revolt by Eknath Shinde in 2022 paved the way for the BJP to return to power in Maharashtra, minister Shambhuraj Desai said on Saturday.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction leader Desai's remark came a day after BJP’s Mangal Prabhat Lodha, also a minister, said CM Devendra Fadnavis not only helms the BJP, but also influences how other political parties function in Maharashtra.

Desai's assertion about Shinde's key role in state politics comes amid offhand remarks by some BJP leaders, which have not gone down well with the Shiv Sena leadership. The Shinde camp is especially livid with Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan after some members of the Shinde-led party crossed over to the ally. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena an

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