Maharashtra Allies Show Signs of Thaw After Prolonged Feud

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A handshake between Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde at a recent event has sparked speculation about possible reconciliation between the two parties, which have been at odds over local body polls. The handshake, initiated by Chavan, was seen as an early sign of both sides attempting to mend their strained relationship, which had been marred by verbal sparring and accusations in the run-up to the December 2 municipal council elections. The tension escalated after BJP leaders inducted several local Shiv Sena functionaries in Kalyan, leading the Shinde camp to perceive it as an attempt to weaken its organisational hold. Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane had publicly accused Chavan of attempting to bribe voters in Sindhudurg, further straining relations. Although the feud had also surfaced within the cabinet, with state minister Sanjay Shirsat remarking that Chavan was acting unilaterally, the tone has softened since the polling ended. Rane had hinted at reconciliation efforts by the leadership, suggesting a possible thaw in the relationship between the two allies.