News Brief
Rift In Maharashtra's Ruling Mahayuti Alliance? Eknath Shinde Rejects Rift Rumours, Defends Formation Of Medical Aid Cell
PM Modi, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has refuted allegations of discord within the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena.
He asserted that there is "absolutely no cold war" between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, India Today reported.
Shinde’s statement comes amid the Opposition's claims of a "parallel government" operating within the state government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "If the government continues to operate in this manner, political chaos will escalate further".
This comes after Shinde set up a medical aid cell at Mantralaya despite presence of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF).
However, Shinde clarified that this initiative is not meant to rival the CMRF but to collaborate with the Chief Minister’s War Room for improved 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.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also dismissed concerns regarding the establishment of the new medical aid 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.
This development comes amid speculation about widening rift within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance just months after they registered a massive victory over the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
The Home Department, overseen by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has reportedly withdrawn Y-category security cover for 20 MLAs from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction.
While security reductions have also affected some BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP legislators, the number is much lower compared to those from the Shinde camp.
Disagreements between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have surfaced on multiple fronts, including over the allocation of guardian minister positions for Raigad and Nashik.
