Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena chief and deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, is intensifying efforts to strengthen his party amid ongoing tensions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Over the past week, Shinde has traveled to Solapur and Dharashiv districts, urging party workers to engage with the public and closely monitor the upcoming special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra. The relationship between the Mahayuti allies has soured since the 2024 assembly poll results, which saw Devendra Fadnavis assume the chief minister's position from Shinde. Incidents such as the police's alleged manhandling of Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai during the Satara Zilla Parishad chief election have further strained relations. Shinde is now focused on expanding the party's organization, holding meetings with MPs, MLAs, and district-level office-bearers, and encouraging them to actively contribute. He recently inducted Bhagirath Bhalke, a former Congress candidate, into the party, signaling a clear intention to challenge BJP influence. Shinde emphasized the need for unity among party members and urged them to reach out to every household and village as preparations for the next elections begin.