Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader, issued a stark warning to his critics on Friday, urging them not to underestimate him. His remarks came amid an escalating rift between him and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, which has been stirring tensions within the state’s political landscape.
The comment came after Shinde responded to a threat email sent to the police, claiming that a bomb was intended to be detonated in his vehicle. Undeterred by the threats, Shinde flipped the situation to send a strong political message to his rivals. “Do not take me lightly. I have already told those who underestimated me. I am a common party worker, but I am also a worker of Balasaheb Thackeray, and people should understand that,” he remarked, alluding to his role in the 2022 Shiv Sena rebellion that led to the downfall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
Shinde’s words also seemed to be a pointed reminder to both Fadnavis and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of his pivotal role in reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape. He referenced his involvement in changing the state’s government in 2022, claiming, “In 2022, I changed the government. In my first speech in the Vidhan Sabha, I predicted that Fadnavis would secure over 200 seats, and we ended up with 232.” He concluded with a cryptic and somewhat ominous statement, suggesting that those who needed to understand his message would do so.
The rift between Shinde and Fadnavis stems from various unresolved issues following the 2022 Maharashtra assembly elections. Shinde, who played a central role in the rebellion that ousted the Uddhav Thackeray government, feels aggrieved over being overlooked for the Chief Minister’s position in the current Mahayuti alliance government. Moreover, Shinde was dissatisfied with being denied the influential home portfolio, and other decisions have added to the growing tensions. Recently, Fadnavis has made several unilateral decisions, further straining the Sena party and Shinde’s leadership.
One of the more contentious issues that has fueled discord between the two leaders is the fate of a ₹900-crore project in Jalna. The project, which had been approved during Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister, was recently put on hold by Fadnavis. Investigations into the multi-crore housing project have been initiated, even though it was initially scrapped in 2020 due to feasibility concerns but revived in February 2023 under the urban development department led by Shinde.
In addition, Shinde’s displeasure has been exacerbated by the downgrading or withdrawal of security cover for around 55 Sena MLAs, party officers, and aides. This move, which the state government attributes to a review by an independent panel assessing security threats, has been seen by many as politically motivated, further escalating tensions within the Shiv Sena ranks.
Shinde made his remarks during a media interaction at his residence, ‘Deogiri,’ in Nagpur, where he reflected on his political journey. He reminded his detractors, “When I was underestimated in 2022, I overturned the government. Don’t forget that,” underscoring his sense of confidence and defiance.
The rivalry between Shinde and Fadnavis has reached new heights, as the two leaders have seemingly avoided sharing the stage on multiple occasions. They have also each set up separate medical assistance desks in the state secretariat, a move that reflects their growing division within the government. Additionally, the dispute over key guardian minister posts for Nashik and Raigad districts remains unresolved, further highlighting the rift.
Despite Shinde’s public reassurances earlier this week that there is no “cold war” between him and Fadnavis, and that the Mahayuti alliance remains united and focused on the state’s development, the signs of mounting discontent within the alliance are undeniable. The political future of Maharashtra’s ruling coalition remains uncertain, with tensions between its senior leaders continuing to boil.