Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- Eknath Shinde warned against taking him lightly amid rumors of a rift with Devendra Fadnavis.
- Shinde asserted he overturned the government in 2022 when taken lightly.
- Fadnavis put on hold a Rs 900 crore project approved during Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister.
- A dispute exists between Shinde and Fadnavis over guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik.
- Shinde asserted earlier this week that there was “absolutely no cold war” with the Chief Minister.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned his detractors against taking him lightly amid speculation of a widening chasm between the Shiv Sena chief and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde, who has been skipping meetings called by Fadnavis, asserted that he overturned the incumbent government when he was taken lightly in 2022, referring to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA regime. The political climate is tense.
Project Put on Hold
The remark came after Fadnavis 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 Shinde’s approval. This move has fueled speculation about a power struggle.
Shinde’s Statement
Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “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.” Shinde reminded everyone of his past actions.
The 2022 Event
In 2022, Shinde’s rebellion with 40 MLAs triggered a split in the Shiv Sena and brought down the curtains on the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. He later formed the government with the BJP and was made the Chief Minister. This event dramatically reshaped Maharashtra politics.
Stepping Down from the Top Post
However, Shinde had to make way for Fadnavis for the top post after the BJP’s strong performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, where it won 132 of the 230 seats grabbed by the Mahayuti alliance. Speculation has been rife since then that Shinde is sulking on being denied the top post.
Cryptic Remarks
In cryptic remarks, Shinde further said, “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.” These words are open to interpretation.
Seats in the Assembly
The Shinde Sena has 57 MLAs in the Assembly, while Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has 41. The power dynamics within the coalition are complex.
Growing Rift
Sources had previously told India Today that Shinde seemed to be avoiding sharing the stage with Fadnavis and had skipped several meetings called by the Chief Minister. The duo have also set up parallel medical assistance desks in the state secretariat, intensifying the power tussle. The relationship between Shinde and Fadnavis appears strained.
Dispute Deepened
The rift deepened over a tussle for guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik – an issue still unresolved. This specific issue has contributed to the growing tension.
Denial of Cold War
However, Shinde, earlier this week, asserted that there was “absolutely no cold war” with the Chief Minister. “We are united in our fight against those who oppose development,” Shinde said. Despite the rumors, Shinde maintains that the alliance is strong.
Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember
- Eknath Shinde warned amid rift rumors with Fadnavis.
- Shinde referred to the 2022 government ouster.
- Fadnavis halted a project approved during Shinde’s tenure.
- Dispute over guardian minister posts.
- Shinde denied a “cold war” with the Chief Minister.
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