The relationship between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appears to have hit a rough patch, with growing tensions surfacing within the Mahayuti alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that Shinde has been sidelined in the government and that his influence has drastically reduced since the Assembly elections.
Sanjay Raut’s Scathing Attack on Shinde-Fadnavis Ties
Writing in his weekly column ‘RokhThok’ in Saamana, Sanjay Raut alleged that Eknath Shinde is no longer in control and has been reduced to a mere figurehead in the government. “Every day, we see new signs that Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have no real coordination. The BJP is running the government, and Shinde is now just a puppet,” Raut wrote.
He further claimed that Shinde’s role has been diminished after the Mahayuti won the elections, with the BJP securing 132 seats and dominating the alliance. “Shinde was under the impression that he would continue as CM, but the BJP played its cards well. Now, he is left with nothing but a ceremonial post,” Raut stated.
Shinde ‘Humiliated’ by BJP?
According to Raut, Shinde was promised the CM’s post before the elections, but Amit Shah and the BJP leadership betrayed him. “Amit Shah told Shinde to invest money and take charge of the elections, but after the results, the BJP conveniently pushed him aside. Now, Shinde is humiliated and frustrated,” Raut alleged.
Raut also claimed that Shinde has started avoiding key government meetings. “He arrived two-and-a-half hours late for the District Planning Committee meeting at the World Trade Centre on January 30. This shows his growing disinterest and frustration,” he remarked.
BJP Leaders Targeting Shinde in His Own Turf?
The conflict between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is now spilling into Shinde’s home turf, Thane. BJP minister Ganesh Naik recently announced ‘janata durbars’ in Thane, a move widely seen as an attempt to erode Shinde’s influence. In response, Shinde’s loyalists have threatened to hold similar events in Naik’s stronghold, Navi Mumbai.
“This is not just about power-sharing. The BJP is systematically weakening Shinde. Many of his MLAs want to return to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena but fear action from central agencies. Shinde is no longer a secure leader, and even the BJP is working against him,” Raut claimed.
Ajit Pawar the ‘Real Winner’ in Mahayuti?
While Raut painted a bleak picture for Shinde, he praised Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for maintaining a strong position in the alliance. “Ajit Pawar is smart. He knows how to play politics. Unlike Shinde, he is in a stable position and shares a good equation with Fadnavis. His move to join the BJP was well thought out,” Raut said.