Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s absence from crucial meetings convened by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has fueled speculation about a rift within the Mahayuti alliance. Since the government’s formation in December 2024, Shinde has reportedly been dissatisfied over multiple issues, including being denied the Home Department portfolio by the BJP.Further discontent arose when his MLAs, Bharat Gogawale and Dada Bhuse, were not appointed as guardians of Raigad and Nashik districts.
Amid the ongoing rift rumours, Shinde while speaking to media on Friday, said , "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 understand this. "The Deputy CM further said that when he was taken lightly in 2022, he overturned the incumbent government. Shinde had rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in 2022 to join hands with the BJP, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Sena-Congress-NCP government.
"We brought the government of the wishes of the common people. 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, those who want to understand this hint, they should understand it and I will continue doing my work," he added. Shinde's statement comes amid an alleged 'cold war' over the guardian minister's post in the Maharashtra government. Although both Fadnavis and Shinde have denied any discord between them and tried to project a picture of unity with all is well message, several instances suggest otherwise. The rift was seen widening with the decision on guardian ministers of Raigad and Nashik districts. The rift is likely to further widen after the security of 20 Shiv Sena MLAs was reduced or removed following threat perception exercise undertaken by the state police. They were given 'Y' security cover following the June 2022 split in the party.