Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a “do not take me lightly” warning amid reports of a rift between his Shiv Sena faction and the BJP government. Following death threats that included bomb threats to his car, Shinde expressed fearlessness, referencing past attempts against him. He emphasized his loyalty to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and highlighted his role in the BJP’s election success. Friction has arisen over reduced security for Sena MLAs and disagreements over appointments, despite public denials of discord. Although the alliance won the November election, Shinde’s position remains precarious amid ongoing tensions.
Mumbai:
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a stern warning on Friday, cautioning others not to underestimate him. His remarks, seemingly in response to received death threats, surfaced amidst reports of a growing divide between the Shiv Sena leader and his ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs the state.
When questioned about the threats—specifically emails indicating bombs in Mr. Shinde’s vehicle—he expressed his lack of fear, stating, “Threats came before too… attempts were made too, but I am not afraid.”
His subsequent remarks sparked considerable attention.
“Do not take me lightly… I have already conveyed this to those who underestimated me. I am a normal party worker… but I also serve as a worker of Balasaheb (Thackeray, the founder of Shiv Sena), and it is crucial for everyone to recognize this,” Mr. Shinde—whose 2022 rebellion caused a split in the Shiv Sena and led to the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s Congress-NCP-backed administration—asserted.
Mr. Shinde went on to highlight his pivotal role in reinstating the BJP to power, stating, “… in 2022 I changed the government (and) in my first address in the Vidhan Sabha (preceding the 2024 election) I mentioned that Fadnavis would secure over 200 seats… and we achieved 232. That is why I caution, do not take me lightly.”
The warning, Mr. Shinde noted, was directed at “those who wish to grasp this hint.”
Mahayuti Alliance Wobbling?
This week, media reports indicated growing tensions between Mr. Shinde and the BJP, highlighted by a reduction in security for Sena MLAs.
Sources informed NDTV that 55 lawmakers from Mr. Shinde’s faction had been assigned Y-security, including party officials and aides. This week, however, their protective measures were either downgraded or revoked, igniting discontent within the Shinde Sena ranks.
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The state government attributed these changes to an independent panel’s assessment of potential security threats, asserting there was no political interference.
Nonetheless, Mr. Shinde—rumored to be displeased about being asked to yield the Chief Minister role to the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, despite his key involvement in last year’s electoral victory—expressed his dissatisfaction.
Additionally, there appears to be friction surrounding various appointments, including ‘guardian ministers’ for Raigad and Nashik (a vital role due to the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2027) and Mr. Shinde’s initial exclusion from the State Disaster Management Authority, although he was later included.
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Furthermore, Mr. Shinde’s non-attendance at three government events this month has contributed to whispers suggesting unrest within the Mahayuti alliance, especially since each event was presided over by Mr. Fadnavis.
‘No Cold War’
Officially, neither the BJP nor Mr. Shinde has entertained suggestions of a split.
The BJP’s Ashish Shelar has asserted that Eknath Shinde bears no resentment regarding relinquishing the Chief Minister position, while the Sena leader has proclaimed, “there is absolutely no ‘cold war’.”
The Shinde Sena, BJP, and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar experienced a smooth victory in the November elections. The BJP secured 132 seats, the Shinde Sena 57, and the Pawar NCP 41.
READ | Fadnavis Takes on Role of Maharashtra Chief Minister, with Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputies
This was, as it turned out, the simpler part of the process. The selection of a Chief Minister extended nearly two weeks of negotiations and backdoor dealings. Ultimately, Mr. Shinde appeared to be compelled to relinquish aspirations for a second term after Ajit Pawar aligned with the BJP, giving the saffron party a 28-seat advantage and the capacity to form the government without backing from the Shiv Sena.
With input from agencies
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