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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Illegally stored gas cylinders seized
Thane (PTI): Authorities have seized illegally stored 1,839 gas cylinders and seven vehicles worth over Rs 67 lakh in the Dombivli MIDC area of Thane district, officials said on Saturday.
A special vigilance team of the Mumbai Rationing Department detected an illegal storage of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in Phase-2 of Dombivli (East).
Cylinders belonging to multiple gas agencies were found stockpiled in closed vehicles, unauthorised warehouses, and open sheds without mandatory permissions from the Explosives Department, Fire Department, or oil companies, according to an official release.
