Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has dismissed rumors of a rift between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, calling their relationship "thanda thanda, cool cool," according to a News18 report. Shinde clarified that there is no "cold war" between them, emphasizing that their focus is not on internal conflicts but on opposing those hindering Maharashtra's development. He added that the Mahayuti alliance remains united in advancing the state's progress.
The rumored tension between the BJP and Shiv Sena was initially sparked by disputes over the allocation of guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik, but it has since expanded into other areas of authority. A point of contention was Fadnavis’s decision to reduce security cover for several Shiv Sena MLAs. The state home department, under Fadnavis's leadership, lowered the security of over 20 non-ministerial Shiv Sena MLAs, downgrading their protection from Y+ category to just one constable, as reported by CNN-News18. Some other Sena leaders also had their security withdrawn, fueling speculation about rising friction between the state’s top leaders.
Interestingly, while security for some BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP politicians was also reduced, the number of Sena leaders affected was notably higher, further suggesting tensions within the government.