Political Tensions Rise in Maharashtra as Deputy CM Shinde Skips Cabinet Meeting

Shinde's Absence Sparks Speculation

On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde did not attend the Maharashtra Cabinet meeting, fueling rumors of his discontent with the government led by Devendra Fadnavis. While Shiv Sena leaders downplayed the situation, they noted that Shinde extended his stay in Srinagar, where he had participated in a blood donation campaign organized by party official Chandradhar Patil on Sunday.

Opposition parties have claimed that Shinde's absence from the Cabinet meeting is indicative of internal disagreements within the ruling coalition.

Controversy Over Flag Hoisting Decisions

Reports suggest that the Maharashtra government's decision to allow NCP Minister Aditi Tatkare and BJP Minister Girish Mahajan to hoist the national flag in Raigad and Nashik, sidelining Shiv Sena candidates, has sparked a new controversy. Following this, both Shinde and senior Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogavale, who were advocating for the Raigad ministerial position, skipped the Cabinet meeting, intensifying speculation about discontent within the ruling coalition.

Prior to missing the meeting, Shinde had made three trips to Delhi to meet with prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP insiders revealed that since the coalition came to power in November, Shinde has missed several government meetings for various reasons, while a spokesperson for Shiv Sena claimed this has only occurred twice.

Previous Meetings and Ongoing Discontent

In February, Shinde did not attend two meetings related to the urban development department chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis, who is also the Shiv Sena chief. At that time, Shinde was reportedly unhappy with Fadnavis for several reasons, including being overlooked for the chief minister position in the Mahayuti 3.0 coalition. Since then, senior BJP leaders have seized every opportunity to assert their influence over the Shiv Sena chief.

Recently, Fadnavis has expressed frustration over various controversies involving Shiv Sena leaders, including Home State Minister Yogesh Kadam and Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat. Similarly, sources indicate that Shinde is also dissatisfied with the Fadnavis government due to the sidelining of Shiv Sena leaders and perceived targeting by agencies.