Shinde’s Growing Resentment Strains Mahayuti, Tests JBP’s Patience

Two months into the formation of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena chief, continues to signal his dissatisfaction, causing unease within the ruling alliance.

On Monday, Shinde skipped a high-stakes “war room” meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss key government projects related to departments such as Health, Housing, and Water Supply—many of which are under Sena’s control. Shinde, who oversees the Housing and Urban Development portfolios, was noticeably absent, while Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar attended the discussions. This comes on the heels of Shinde also skipping a Cabinet meeting last week, further fueling speculation about his growing discontent.

Shinde’s Frustration Over Power Shift

Shinde’s current stance is a stark contrast to his 2022 rebellion, which led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Back then, the BJP had elevated Shinde to the Chief Minister’s post despite being the senior partner, with Fadnavis stepping down to Deputy CM.

However, in December 2024, following Mahayuti’s resounding victory in the Assembly elections—where the BJP secured 132 of its 230 seats—the power equation changed. Fadnavis was reinstated as CM, and Shinde was relegated to Deputy CM, a role he reluctantly accepted at the last moment on December 5. To add to his frustration, he was also denied the Home portfolio, which remained with Fadnavis.

While BJP leaders initially dismissed Shinde’s displeasure as a “natural reaction” to his demotion, his continued discontent is now seen as a potential threat to the alliance’s stability and governance. With Fadnavis setting a 100-day deadline for department performance, internal friction could slow down policy execution.

Guardian Minister Dispute Deepens Rift

Shinde’s latest point of contention is the ongoing row over the appointment of guardian ministers for the Nashik and Raigad districts.

Last month, the Fadnavis government named NCP’s Aditi Tatkare and BJP’s Girish Mahajan as the guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik. However, this decision was halted after two Sena ministers, Bharat Gogawale and Dada Bhuse, staked their claim to these posts. With both Shinde and Ajit Pawar backing their respective ministers, the issue remains unresolved, escalating tensions within Mahayuti.

Shinde is reportedly upset that even after Fadnavis’s return from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, no concrete discussions have been held to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, the BJP is irked by Shinde’s inability to rein in his ministers, contrasting his approach with that of Ajit Pawar, who has instructed his party leaders to avoid public confrontations.

A senior BJP leader expressed frustration:
“While Fadnavis was in Davos promoting Maharashtra as an investment hub, the Sena leadership stirred up the guardian minister dispute. It was expected that our alliance partners would maintain stability in his absence, but instead, they fueled unnecessary conflicts.”

Coalition Cracks Give Opposition Ammunition

The ongoing Mahayuti infighting has provided fresh political ammunition to the Opposition. Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar remarked:
“People must be regretting voting for Mahayuti. Instead of solving public problems, they are busy fighting for power and positions.”

With Shinde growing increasingly restless and BJP leaders struggling to maintain balance within the coalition, Mahayuti’s internal tensions risk overshadowing governance and policy implementation. How the BJP navigates these power struggles will be key to the alliance’s long-term stability.