The strained relationship between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has been highlighted as a significant obstacle to the state’s governance. Concerns regarding this internal discord were raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut in his weekly Rokhthok column for Saamna, where it was suggested that the alliance’s unity is being weakened by growing political friction.
It was claimed by Raut that Shinde has not yet come to terms with the fact that he was not reinstated as chief minister after the November 2024 elections. Efforts have reportedly been made by him to reclaim the position, a reality that is said to have been well understood by Fadnavis. According to Raut, despite the Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—securing 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly, effective governance has not been ensured due to a lack of cooperation at the top level.
A dysfunction within the state administration has been pointed out, with Maharashtra being left in a politically unstable condition. It was alleged by Raut that direct communication between Fadnavis and Shinde has almost ceased, further complicating the governance process. The assertion was made that power struggles within the alliance are causing inefficiency, despite a strong electoral mandate. The weakening of Shinde’s influence in Thane, his stronghold, has also been highlighted. A strategy to sideline him politically is believed to have been implemented by the BJP, with the appointment of BJP minister Ganesh Naik as the guardian minister of Palghar being cited as an example. The claim has been made that Naik, an experienced politician, has been strategically placed in a key position to counter Shinde’s authority. It was also observed that Naik’s past role in the Shiv Sena-BJP government predated Shinde’s rise, making it unlikely that he would follow Shinde’s directives.
Statements given by Naik about strengthening the BJP in Thane and his plans to hold public meetings in the area have raised further speculation about the BJP’s growing dominance in Shinde’s political bastion. The impression has been created that a gradual sidelining of Shinde is being orchestrated within the alliance. Additionally, a significant decline in Shinde’s role within the government has been alleged. His frequent absence from cabinet meetings has been noted, and instances of delayed arrivals have been cited. A recent example was mentioned by Raut, in which Shinde reportedly arrived two-and-a-half hours late for a District Planning Committee meeting on January 30.
Reports have also surfaced regarding growing unrest within Shinde’s faction. It has been claimed that several MLAs are feeling uneasy, with some contemplating a switch to the BJP under Fadnavis, while others are reconsidering their allegiance to Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena (UBT). However, fear of action by central agencies has reportedly deterred them from making any immediate moves. Furthermore, suspicions of surveillance have been raised. It has been suggested that Shinde believes his phone calls and activities are being monitored, with concerns being expressed about potential tracking by central agencies.
While BJP leaders have dismissed reports of conflict, denials of any major differences have been contradicted by Raut. A comparison was drawn to the Shiv Sena’s split in June 2022, when similar claims of unity had been made before a dramatic political shift took place. Unlike Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has been said to be in a more stable position. A working relationship with Fadnavis has reportedly been built by him, allowing him to operate without facing similar internal challenges. Unlike Shinde, it has been stated that Pawar has no chief ministerial ambitions and has settled into a politically safer role.
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