Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan on Friday firmly rejected allegations that the party was coercing leaders from alliance partners or the Opposition to switch sides, asserting that the BJP has always adhered to "coalition dharma" within the ruling Mahayuti, reported news agency IANS.

He stressed the accommodative nature of the alliance under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and confirmed that the three constituents -- BJP, Eknath Shinde`s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar`s NCP -- will contest the local body elections together as the MahaYuti alliance, reported IANS.