Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday dismissed claims of internal tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, following his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speaking to the media, Shinde clarified that the meeting was routine and centered around updates on developmental projects in the state, not on any reported disagreements among the alliance partners.
“Amit Shah is a senior leader of the NDA and our Mahayuti alliance. He was in Raigad yesterday and also attended a program in Mumbai. Since he is a leader of our alliance, it was natural for us to meet,” said Shinde, downplaying suggestions that the meeting was to address any friction within the coalition.
Speculation about differences within the ruling coalition had grown after the recent appointment of BJP’s Girish Mahajan and NCP’s Aditi Tatkare as guardian ministers of Nashik and Raigad. These decisions reportedly did not sit well with certain factions of the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, leading to rumors of unease between the three allies—Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
Adding to the concerns was the alleged delay of departmental clearances by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who holds the crucial finance portfolio. Reports suggested that some proposals from Shiv Sena-held ministries had been left pending. Furthermore, murmurs in political circles hinted at discontent within Shiv Sena over Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rolling back a few key decisions previously taken during Shinde’s tenure as chief minister.
Despite these reports, senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar came to Shinde’s defense, emphasizing the Shiv Sena leader’s straightforward nature. “Eknath Shinde is a responsible and direct leader. He wouldn’t wait to voice concerns to Amit Shah. If there is any issue, he would speak to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar directly,” Mungantiwar said.
Shah’s visit to Maharashtra included his presence at a commemorative event at Raigad Fort marking the 345th death anniversary of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His arrival, amid political whispers, further fueled talk about potential attempts to smoothen alliance differences ahead of the upcoming electoral calendar.
The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the faction of NCP led by Ajit Pawar, assumed power after the state assembly elections. Although Shinde served as Chief Minister beginning in June 2022, the leadership reshuffle eventually saw him transition to the role of Deputy CM under the new government headed by Fadnavis.
