Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s absence from three significant government events has intensified speculation about internal discord within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which has governed the state since the November 2024 Assembly elections. Adding spice to it, Shinde, on Friday asserted he should not be taken lightly.
The latest developments come amid rising tensions within the alliance, with concerns over security downgrades, political sidelining, and disputes over key government initiatives.
Shinde Skips Key Government Programs
Shinde was notably missing from the inauguration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Thane’s Badlapur, the Maratha king’s birth anniversary celebrations at Agra Fort, and the launch of the second phase of the Shivsrushti theme park in Ambegaon Budruk. These events were attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, further fueling rumors of a brewing cold war within the alliance.
Adding to speculation, Shinde also skipped a crucial review meeting of the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela chaired by Fadnavis. His continued absence from major state events has led to growing concerns about his standing in the government and the stability of the Mahayuti coalition.
#WATCH | Nagpur: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, “Do not take me lightly; I have already said this to those who have taken me lightly. I am a normal party worker, but I am a worker of Bala Saheb and everyone should take me with this understanding. When you took it… pic.twitter.com/quQeanGPfn
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Growing Rift Between Shinde and Fadnavis?
Speculation about a rift between Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis deepened further after the latter put on hold a Rs 900 crore project in Jalna that was approved during Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister. An investigation has also been ordered amid questions regarding the project’s validity and the intentions behind its approval.
A file photo of the three key Mahayuti leaders – Devendra Fadnavis (left), Eknath Shinde (middle) and Ajit Pawar.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde warned his detractors against underestimating him, referencing his role in toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022. “I am a normal party worker, but I am also a worker of Bala Saheb and everyone should understand this. When I was taken lightly in 2022, I overturned the incumbent government,” he stated.
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In 2022, Shinde’s rebellion, backed by 40 MLAs, triggered a split in the Shiv Sena and led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. He later formed the government with the BJP and was appointed Chief Minister. However, after the BJP’s strong performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections—where the Mahayuti alliance secured 230 of the 288 seats—he had to make way for Fadnavis as Chief Minister, a move that reportedly did not sit well with him.
Security Cover Downgrade Sparks Resentment
Adding to the tensions, recent security downgrades for various state legislators have disproportionately affected Shinde’s allies. The security cover, originally granted to 44 MLAs and 11 Lok Sabha MPs following the 2022 rebellion, has now been withdrawn for several key figures within the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
While officials claim the security adjustments were based on routine assessments, sources suggest that the highest number of downgrades were from Shinde’s camp, escalating concerns about his faction’s political position. This move has been perceived as an attempt to undermine his influence within the government.
Clashes Over Government Initiatives
Disagreements within the alliance have also emerged over the state’s flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme credited with boosting the Mahayuti’s electoral success. The Shiv Sena faction objected to promotional material that omitted ‘Mukhyamantri’ (Chief Minister) from the scheme’s title, seeing it as an attempt to diminish Shinde’s role.
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Further friction arose when NCP leader Aditi Tatkare and BJP’s Girish Mahajan were appointed as guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik, respectively. Shinde’s camp reportedly saw these appointments as efforts to dilute his influence over key regions.
Shinde’s Cryptic Response
In cryptic remarks, Shinde further stated, “In my first speech in the Vidhan Sabha, I said that Devendra Fadnavis ji would get more than 200 seats, and we got 232 seats. That is why do not take me lightly. The people for whom it is intended will understand it.”
The Shinde Sena has 57 MLAs in the Assembly, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has 41, making them critical players in the Mahayuti government.
BJP Denies Rift, Shinde Dismisses Speculation
Despite growing signs of discord, BJP leader Ashish Shelar dismissed the speculation, insisting that the government is functioning smoothly. Shinde, too, denied any conflict, stating, “There is absolutely no cold war.”
However, his repeated absences, the security downgrades of his allies, and ongoing power struggles within the coalition suggest that internal tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance may continue to simmer in the coming months.
