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Amid speculations of rift with Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde said that when he was “taken lightly” the last time in 2022, he overturned the incumbent government.
Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis (PTI Image)
Amid speculations of a rift between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Friday warned against being taken lightly while also recalling how he “overturned the incumbent government” in 2022 when he was last taken lightly.
Shinde, who has been skipping meetings called by the Chief Minister, is reportedly disgruntled after Fadnavis stayed a Rs 900 crore project in Jalna which was given a go-ahead during Shinde’s Chief Ministership. The Fadnavis-led government has also ordered an investigation amid queries over the validity of the project and intentions behind the approval of the project by Shinde, who was the Chief Minister in the previous government and Fadnavis was his deputy.
‘I Overturned Govt In 2022’: Shinde Recalls Rebellion
Shinde told reporters that he was a “normal party worker”, but underlined that he was also a worker of Balasaheb Thackeray. “Do not take me lightly. I have already said this to those who took me lightly (apparently referring to Uddhav Thackeray). When I was taken lightly in 2022, I overturned the sitting government,” he said as he recalled his massive rebellion which led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led MVA government in Maharashtra.
“In my speech in Vidhan Sabha, I said Fadnavis would get more than 200 seats and we secured 232 seats, which is why I say, do not take me lightly,” Shinde added.
Shinde, however, did not name who his cryptic message was meant for and said that it was for “those who want to understand this hint”.
Eknath Shinde Unhappy With Govt?
Ever since the Mahayuti returned to power with a thumping majority in December last year, rumours have been rife about Shinde’s discontent with his demotion from Chief Minister to Deputy CM. The BJP won 132 seats, Shiv Sena 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 41 in the 2024 Assembly polls.
There is reportedly tension over several appointments, including ‘guardian ministers’ for Raigad and Nashik — an especially crucial position as Nashik will host the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Shinde was initially excluded from the State Disaster Management Authority but was later included.
Dismissing the reports, Shinde said that there was “no cold war” between him and Fadnavis and claimed continued fight against those opposing development.
