Shinde Warns BJP: ‘Don’t Take Me Lightly’ Amid Rift with Fadnavis

Fresh cracks have surfaced in Maharashtra’s BJP-led Mahayuti government, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issuing a stern warning on Friday, cautioning that he should not be taken lightly. The Shiv Sena chief, who has expressed discontent over being denied the chief minister’s post despite the alliance’s landslide victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, reminded his critics of his role in toppling the previous government in 2022.

“In 2022, I overturned the cart of those who underestimated me and installed a new government that has since won the people’s trust. Our double-engine government ran at full speed. Devendra Fadnavis declared we would win over 200 seats, and we secured 232. Do not take me lightly. The hint is enough for those who understand it. I will continue to do my work,” Shinde remarked in a veiled warning.

Shinde, who led a rebellion within Shiv Sena in 2022, was instrumental in bringing down the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Following that, he was appointed Chief Minister. However, after the 2024 elections, the BJP retained the top post, relegating Shinde to the role of deputy CM, a decision that has reportedly caused friction within the alliance.

Security Downgrade and Political Setbacks Deepen Rift

Shinde’s latest remarks come in the wake of the government’s decision to withdraw Y-level security for 20 Shiv Sena MLAs, a move that has reportedly infuriated him and his faction. The tension has been simmering for some time, with several instances highlighting growing discord between Shinde and the BJP leadership.

Earlier, Shinde was excluded from the Disaster Management Authority, only to be reinstated later following an amendment in the rules. Additionally, he pushed for Shiv Sena leaders to be appointed as guardian ministers of Nashik and Raigad, but Fadnavis proposed NCP’s Aditi Tatkare and BJP’s Girish Mahajan instead. The proposal was put on hold after resistance from Shiv Sena MLAs, further exposing the cracks in the ruling coalition.

Shinde’s Political Clout and Future Course

Despite the brewing tensions, Shinde was seen sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on February 20 during the oath-taking ceremony of the new Delhi government. However, his recent remarks indicate that all is not well within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance.

Shinde’s warning serves as a reminder of his political strength and past maneuvering. His 2022 rebellion reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape, and his current frustration with the BJP’s dominance suggests that internal conflicts could escalate further.

While the BJP appears to be in control, Shinde’s growing discontent raises questions about the alliance’s stability in the coming months. Whether this rift leads to a major political shift or is merely posturing for better positioning within the government remains to be seen.