The Mahayuthi alliance in Maharashtra refuted rumors of internal discord ahead of the state assembly’s budget session. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “There is no Cold War among ruling allies,” emphasizing their unity and recent electoral success against the opposition. Following a Cabinet meeting, he criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for boycotting a pre-budget gathering and noted internal tensions within their ranks. Speculation about friction intensified after security for Eknath Shinde’s faction was downgraded. Despite ongoing denials from the alliance, the MVA found hope in perceived rifts within the ruling coalition, following their electoral defeat last year.
Mumbai:
The ruling Mahayuthi alliance of Maharashtra firmly rejected rumors regarding a divide within its ranks ahead of the state assembly’s budget session. In a media appearance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “There is no Cold War among ruling allies. Both Eknath Shinde and I are aware of our collaborative efforts… We’ve effectively battled the Opposition and achieved a significant triumph in the Assembly,” he remarked.
The press conference followed a Cabinet meeting and a customary tea gathering that the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi chose to boycott.
“The Opposition’s situation is different from ours — we stand united… There is friction and discontent among the opposition itself,” he asserted.
“We had invited the opposition for ‘Chahapan’ (snack meeting before the budget session) today, but they declined. They convened a meeting in which none of their prominent leaders participated. They presented us with a 9-page letter listing nine individuals, with seven signatures, raising issues derived solely from media reports,” Mr. Fadnavis explained.
Recent reports indicating a rift within the ruling alliance have made headlines in recent weeks, suggesting that Eknath Shinde, who resigned from the top position for Devendra Fadnavis, still harbors discontent.
The reduction of security for several leaders of his party and the designation of ‘guardian ministers’ for Raigad and Nashik districts, which will host the upcoming Kumbh mela, has exacerbated tensions.
Sources informed NDTV that the security of 55 lawmakers from Mr. Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction — previously under Y Category security — has been downgraded. The government characterized this as a consequence of a security threat reassessment, but it apparently has not satisfied the Sena leader.
While the ruling coalition has consistently denied any discord, it has brought a sense of optimism to the Opposition MVA camp, which faced a defeat in last year’s assembly elections.
This was followed by a brief setback in the Mahayuthi, as the selection of the Chief Minister took nearly two weeks, with the final days filled with reports of the challenges the BJP faced in persuading Mr. Shinde to accept Mr. Fadnavis as Chief Minister—a decision that became inevitable after Ajit Pawar’s support for the BJP.