NAGPUR, Feb 21: Amid speculation of increasing discord with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde remarked on Friday that he should not be underestimated and hinted at the ousting of the MVA government.
He indicated that it was a caution for those capable of understanding his message, during a conversation with reporters in Nagpur.
Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, mentioned his roots as a worker of Shiv Sena’s founder Bal Thackeray and the late Anand Dighe.
“In 2022, I overturned the positions of those who underestimated me, resulting in a new government that resonated with the people,” Shinde stated, seemingly referring to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi administration.
Subsequently, he rose to the chief ministership by splitting from the Thackeray-led Sena and forging a partnership with the BJP.
“The double engine government (under Shinde) operated at full throttle, and both Devendra Fadnavis and I proclaimed our intention to secure over 200 seats. We successfully garnered 232 seats in the 2024 assembly elections,” he said.
“Do not underestimate me. The implication is sufficient for those who grasp it. I will persist in my responsibilities,” he added.
Despite both Shinde and Fadnavis denying any discord, recent events have hinted at underlying tensions.
Following the elections, Shinde consented to a role reversal with Fadnavis, who served as deputy in the preceding administration, as he assumed the role of chief minister.
The appointment of NCP leader Aditi Tatkare and BJP leader Girish Mahajan as guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik districts, respectively, intensified these tensions, displeasing Shiv Sena leaders. Both appointments were subsequently revoked, leaving Fadnavis yet to announce new decisions.
Deputy CMs Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar established project monitoring cells to oversee the progress of initiatives in their respective districts, including departments led by ministers from their parties. As the CM already operates a “war room” for critical projects, this was viewed as an assertion of authority by both BJP allies.
Although the Chief Minister’s relief fund had already facilitated assistance for needy patients, Shinde initiated his own medical aid cell.
Shinde has also been notably absent from several meetings organized by Fadnavis, including one on preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik. He instead convened a separate meeting in Nashik, which BJP minister Girish Mahajan did not attend.
After Fadnavis conducted a review meeting concerning the Industries department, Shinde held another meeting shortly thereafter. The Industries department is led by Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant.
The speculation regarding escalating tensions intensified when the Home department, overseen by Fadnavis, reduced or revoked police protection for 20 Shiv Sena MLAs, which had been granted post-Sena split in 2022.
Earlier this week, Shinde reiterated that there was no “cold war” between himself and Fadnavis.
Fadnavis also played down Shinde’s establishment of a medical cell, stating, “There’s nothing inappropriate about it; its goal is to assist individuals. I had formed a similar cell when I was deputy chief minister,” said the BJP leader. (PTI)
