Eknath Shinde’s Absence From Key Events Fuels Maharashtra Coalition Rift Speculation

Summary: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s absence from key events has intensified speculation of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance. Security downgrades and internal disputes over schemes add to the growing tensions.

Mumbai:

The political climate in Maharashtra is heating up as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been noticeably absent from three major government programs, adding weight to rumors of internal discord within the Mahayuti alliance—the ruling coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP that secured victory in the November 2024 Assembly elections.

Mr. Shinde was missing from the:

Inauguration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Badlapur (Thane district)
Maratha king’s birth anniversary celebrations at Agra Fort
Inauguration of Shivsrushti Phase II theme park in Ambegaon Budruk

All these events were attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, raising further questions about the state of affairs within the alliance.

The Backstory: A Power Struggle in the Mahayuti Government

The Mahayuti alliance stormed to power in the 2024 Maharashtra elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. However, discontent within the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde surfaced after he was denied the Chief Minister’s post, which was instead given to BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis. Mr. Shinde was eventually accommodated within the State Disaster Management Authority, a move that did little to ease tensions.

Security Downgrade Sparks Fresh Tensions

The rift deepened when the Maharashtra government downgraded or withdrew ‘Y’-category security from several MLAs. While legislators across all parties were affected, sources indicate that the highest number of security downgrades impacted Mr. Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.

The security cover, initially granted to 44 state legislators and 11 MPs following the 2022 Shiv Sena rebellion, was removed from key aides of Mr. Shinde, particularly those without cabinet positions.

Internal Disputes Over Government Schemes & Ministerial Appointments

The flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme aimed at women’s empowerment, has also become a source of contention. Mr. Shinde’s party objected to the omission of the term ‘Mukhyamantri’ (Chief Minister) in promotional material from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, signaling deeper differences within the alliance.

Additionally, appointments of key ministers have triggered discontent:

NCP leader Aditi Tatkare was named Raigad’s guardian minister
BJP’s Girish Mahajan was given charge of Nashik

These decisions reportedly displeased the Shinde-led faction, with Mr. Shinde skipping a key review meeting on preparations for the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela, which was chaired by Mr. Fadnavis.

Coalition Leaders Deny Rift, But Speculation Persists

Despite mounting speculation, senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar dismissed the reports, insisting that the government remains united and functional. Mr. Shinde himself stated there was “absolutely no cold war” within the coalition.

However, with growing tensions over leadership roles, security downgrades, and ministerial disputes, all eyes remain on the Mahayuti government as political observers watch for further signs of internal fractures.