India, Oct. 7 -- With local body elections in Maharashtra fast approaching, tensions between the ruling Mahayuti alliance partners have escalated. Leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are publicly trading allegations, albeit on local issues, in a clear sign of internal strife.

In Sindhudurg, Shiv Sena leader Rajan Teli has accused BJP minister Nitesh Rane of facilitating the illegal disbursement of loans through the Sindhudurg District Cooperative Bank. Over in Sangli, BJP MLC Sadabhau Khot has targeted NCP leader and cooperation minister Babasaheb Patil, alleging corruption in recruitment at the Sangli District Cooperative Bank.

The tussle between deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and forest minister G...