Shinde Denies Rift with Fadnavis

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde denies any rift with CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Shinde asserts “absolutely no cold war” exists within the BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance.
Opposition parties allege a “parallel government” is operating in the state.
Shinde established a medical aid cell despite the presence of the CM’s Relief Fund.
Fadnavis downplays the formation of the cell, stating it aims to help people.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has dismissed claims of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance of BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena. Shinde stated there was “absolutely no cold war” with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Eknath Shinde insisted his relations with Fadnavis are cordial.

The remark comes amid the opposition’s claims of a “parallel government” operating within the state administration. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “If the government continues to operate in this manner, political chaos will escalate further.” Political accusations and counter-accusations continue in Maharashtra.

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This comes after Eknath Shinde set up a medical aid cell at Mantralaya despite presence of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). Shinde, however, said that the cell would not create a competing system but would rather work in coordination with the Chief Minister’s War Room to enhance service delivery.

“There is absolutely no cold war between us. We are united in our fight against those who oppose development. When I was chief minister, on 31 October 2023, then deputy chief minister Fadnavis had founded a similar cell. I have simply reconstituted it with my people overseeing its operations,” Shinde asserted. Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis maintain a good rapport.

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Eknath Shinde’s close aide, Mangesh Chivate, who will head the new medical cell, said, “When Shinde was chief minister, I was doing the same work using the CM Relief fund and we helped many people. Now, I will do the same work, except that this cell will not disburse funds, but provide all the assistance to needy patients.” The medical cell will assist those in need.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also downplayed the formation of the cell.

“There is nothing wrong in the formation of such a cell as its aim is to help people. When I was the deputy chief minister, I had formed a similar cell,” Fadnavis said. The aim of the cell is to assist people.

RIFT IN MAHAYUTI?

There is speculation of a widening rift within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance just months after they registered a decisive victory over the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Recently, the Home Department under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has withdrawn the Y-security cover for as many as 20 MLAs of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, sources said. While the security cover for some MLAs from the BJP and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has also been reduced, the number is much less than those from the Shiv Sena.

The BJP and the Shinde Sena have locked horns over a number of issue, including over guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik.

As per sources, Shinde seems to be avoiding sharing the stage with Fadnavis. Last month, Shinde skipped a meeting of the Nashik Metropolitan Regional Development Authority called by Fadnavis. He was also absent at the inauguration ceremony of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember