Eknath Shinde’s absence from key meetings sparks speculation of rift in Mahayuti
Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s absence from crucial meetings convened by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has fueled speculation about a rift within the Mahayuti alliance. Since the government’s formation in December 2024, Shinde has reportedly been dissatisfied over multiple issues, including being denied the Home Department portfolio by the BJP.
Further discontent arose when his MLAs, Bharat Gogawale and Dada Bhuse, were not appointed as guardians of Raigad and Nashik districts. Adding to this, Fadnavis’ review of decisions made during Shinde’s tenure as CM led to the suspension of several schemes and delays in clearing files from his ministers. Bureaucratic interference in Sena leader Uday Samant’s department further escalated tensions.
In response, Shinde has reportedly started avoiding meetings called by Fadnavis while holding separate meetings with the same departments. Recently, he reviewed preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik, despite a prior review by the CM. Similarly, he chaired a meeting with the Industries Department days after Fadnavis had already conducted one.
Shinde also skipped key discussions on urban development and the Mumbai-Thane budget but later conducted his own review. His exclusion from the State Disaster Management Committee initially added to the friction, but after he expressed dissatisfaction, he was included in the committee.
Tensions further escalated when BJP leader and Palghar Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik announced a public meeting in Thane, a stronghold of Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Shinde has since limited his visits to Mantralaya, preferring to work from Sahyadri Guest House and his official residence, while focusing on strengthening his party’s organisational structure.
In preparation for upcoming local body elections, Shinde has instructed party workers to mobilise 5,000 voters per ward in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. He has also successfully brought former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs and office bearers into his faction before their induction into the BJP.
Additionally, in what is seen as a move to counter Fadnavis, Shinde launched the Deputy Chief Minister Relief Fund and Medical Aid Centre, mirroring the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Medical Assistance Cell, further highlighting his growing influence within the government.
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Telangana rains: Four farmers dead, three injured as sheds collapse in Mancherial
Karimnagar (Telangana) (PTI): Four farmers died, and three others were injured after tin-roofed sheds and dilapidated structures collapsed in two separate incidents in Mancherial district of Telangana, officials said on Wednesday.
The incidents occurred in two villages of Luxettipet mandal late on Tuesday night, when the farmers were taking shelter in the structures following heavy rain and strong winds.
According to officials, two people died when a shed caved in at Kothuru village.
In a separate incident in Gampalapalli village, two more persons died after another structure collapsed, police and district authorities said.
The three injured were shifted to a hospital in Karimnagar for treatment, police said.
Preliminary reports indicate that unseasonal rains accompanied by strong winds weakened the structures, leading to the collapses.
Authorities are assessing the situation, and further investigation is underway.
