Internal rumblings within the Mahayuti alliance have once again taken center stage in Maharashtra politics, despite the coalition's strong electoral performance in the recent assembly elections. The latest developments highlight growing dissatisfaction among top leaders, particularly around unresolved issues and perceived slights during official events. While the Mahayuti government - comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) - maintains a numerical advantage in the assembly, ideological differences and administrative tussles continue to plague the alliance. The long-pending dispute over the guardian minister posts for Nashik and Raigad remains unresolved, further fueling speculation about internal discord.
A fresh episode unfolded during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent two-day tour of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Times reported that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde raised concerns with Shah regarding the Finance Department, which is under the charge of fellow Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Shinde reportedly expressed frustration over delays in file approvals concerning Shiv Sena ministers and MLAs. In response, Shah is said to have assured Shinde that such delays would be addressed moving forward.
Even as this incident remained the subject of political chatter, another controversy erupted today during an event commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai. The event was attended by Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with several other Mahayuti leaders. After paying tribute to Dr. Ambedkar, the dignitaries took the stage for speeches. While Chief Minister Fadnavis and the Governor addressed the gathering, both Shinde and Pawar, despite being listed in the original program, were not called upon to speak.
According to the initial schedule, Ajit Pawar was slated to speak at 10:10 AM, followed by Eknath Shinde at 10:15 AM, with each given five minutes. However, the program was reportedly altered the previous night to exclude their names, limiting the speeches to the Governor and Chief Minister. Shinde, visibly surprised, confronted the officials at the event. When he pointed out the original program, he was informed of the last-minute change. An official reportedly asked him, “Weren’t you informed that your name wasn’t on the list?” Following this, Shinde is believed to have ordered an inquiry into the officer responsible for the update.
Ajit Pawar left the event immediately after, while Shinde returned to his residence in Thane and later addressed a press conference.
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When asked whether he was upset about being excluded from speaking, Shinde downplayed the incident. “What can be more important than going to Chaityabhoomi, paying homage to Babasaheb, and seeking his blessings?” he said. “His birth anniversary is celebrated at thousands, even lakhs of places. Everyone is happy about that—so am I.”