Maharashtra CM Defends Deputy CM Amid Drug Factory Allegations

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has come to the defense of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that he has no ties to a drug factory case in Satara. Fadnavis criticized the Congress party's claims as politically motivated and praised the police for their work in breaking up the drug gang. Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena, noted that following the conviction of an NCP leader, another minister is likely to resign, questioning why the Chief Minister is supporting Shinde. This situation raises significant political implications in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 12:02 IST

Clarification on Allegations Against Deputy CM

On Friday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has no connection to the recent drug factory case in Satara. He labeled the Congress party's accusations as politically motivated.

Fadnavis expressed his disapproval of attempts to link Shinde to the drug factory, commending the police for their efforts in dismantling the gang involved.

As the minister in charge of the Home Department, Fadnavis asserted that there is no evidence implicating Shinde or his family in this matter.

Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), remarked that after the conviction of NCP leader Manikrao Kokate on Thursday, another minister (implicitly referring to Shinde) is expected to resign from the cabinet. Thackeray found it peculiar that the Chief Minister is defending Shinde.