Barely three months after the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, commonly referred to as Mahayuti, secured a victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, internal conflicts within the team are surfacing.
Recent reports indicate that the latest source of tension within the Mahayuti alliance stems from the decision to reassess or reduce the ‘Y-Security cover’ for various prominent lawmakers.
The Special Protection Unit (SPU) conducted a review of the security needs of political leaders, ministers, andMLAs, resulting in a downgrade in security for some, particularly those allied with Eknath Shinde.
This development coincides with heightened speculation about a potential rift between Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Eknath Shinde, head of the Shiv Sena. Following the 2024 state elections, their roles and spheres of influence have undergone significant changes.
Security Review as a Flashpoint
A recent security review saw most cabinet members and ministers receive “Y-plus” security with additional escort vehicles, based on their threat assessment. However, some leaders, especially those in Shinde’s camp, were not granted the same level of protection.
This shift might reflect a change in perceived threats or the government’s priorities. In 2022, during the political turmoil following Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, some defected Shiv Sena MLAs were given enhanced security to safeguard against potential threats.
The reduction in security cover could be seen as a move towards a more pragmatic approach to security, but it may also be interpreted as a symbol of reduced importance for certain political factions within the alliance.
Guardian MinistersAppointment Tensions
Another significant point of contention is the unresolved issue of guardian ministers. Shinde, who was initially promised the role of Chief Minister after defecting from Uddhav Thackeray’s bloc, has expressed dissatisfaction with his current position.
Fadnavis’s refusal to appoint Shiv Sena leaders to guardian minister roles in Raigad and Nashik districts has exacerbated this tension. Additionally, the decision to remove NCP’s Aditi Tatkare and BJP’s Girish Mahajan as guardian ministers for these districts has added to the friction.
The appointment of guardian ministers is a crucial aspect of state governance, and disagreements over these roles can deeply affect the harmony within the ruling coalition.
Context of the Kumbh Mela Meeting
The rift between Fadnavis and Shinde became more evident when Shinde skipped a crucial review meeting on the Kumbh Mela organized by Fadnavis. Instead, Shinde chose to hold his own parallel meeting.
This action was interpreted as a direct challenge to Fadnavis’ authority. MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, taking note of this, quipped on social media, “Mahayuti celebrating Valentine month. Not,” highlighting the perceived degree of discord.
The manner in which political events and responsibilities are handled often becomes a barometer of the internal dynamics of major coalitions in Indian politics.
Political Alliances and Frenemies
Senior leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been meeting Chief Minister Fadnavis multiple times in recent months. These interactions suggest a desire to maintain or strengthen relations within the alliance.
Contrarily, NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar honored Eknath Shinde at an event in New Delhi, awarding him for his contributions. This move was seen as a gesture of support, but it also irritated elements within the Shiv Sena (UBT), who viewed Shinde as a betrayer.
Political analyst Abhay Deshpande highlighted that politicians from both alliances are potentially engaging with “frenemies,” especially in preparation for the local body polls, often regarded as a mini-Vidhan Sabha election.
The Role of BJP and MNS
Recent developments involving the BJP and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have added another layer of complexity to the Maratha heartland’s political landscape. Chief Minister Fadnavis’s meeting with MNS president Raj Thackeray has fueled speculation about a possible alliance between the two parties.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghada, already facing internal strife, has been quick to point out that all is not well within the ruling coalition.
Eknath Shinde Denies a Cold War
In response to these allegations, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde explicitly denied the existence of a “cold war” with Fadnavis.
“There is absolutely no cold war between us. We are united in our fight against those who oppose development,” he stated unequivocally, emphasizing their shared commitment to progress.
While official statements may reassure the public, the underlying tensions in the Mahayuti alliance point to a complex political landscape with numerous moving parts. As events unfold in Maharashtra, particularly ahead of the local body polls, the dynamics within this ruling coalition will be closely watched.
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