The BRICS TimesAmid speculations of discord within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti coalition, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has clarified that his coordination with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remains strong and smooth. Responding to the controversy over recent advertisements featuring only Fadnavis, Shinde dismissed suggestions of a competition for credit.
In Maharashtra’s political circles, there have often been murmurs suggesting that all is not well within the ruling alliance and its constituent parties. At times, reports have also hinted at an internal tussle to claim credit for government initiatives and achievements. However, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has now categorically rejected such assumptions, stating that there is no competition among the allies of the Mahayuti government to take credit for the work being done. He emphasized that he has been functioning as part of a team with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and their working relationship is based on complete cooperation and understanding.
Shinde’s clarification came in response to questions raised over a series of advertisements published on Saturday. These advertisements prominently displayed only Chief Minister Fadnavis, sparking curiosity and speculation in political quarters about the underlying message.
In one of the advertisements, Fadnavis was shown paying floral tribute at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Another advertisement portrayed him offering prayers to Lord Ganesha during Anant Chaturdashi, the concluding day of the ten-day Ganesh festival. Both advertisements carried the Marathi phrase ‘Deva Bhau’ printed at the bottom. However, it has not been established who was behind commissioning and publishing these advertisements.
When Shinde was questioned by reporters at a public function in Thane on Saturday, he was asked whether these advertisements were an attempt by Fadnavis to project himself as the architect of the Maratha reservation. Responding to this, Shinde firmly stated, “We are not in a race to claim credit. Whether it is the Maratha community or the Other Backward Classes (OBC), it is the Mahayuti government that has worked to deliver justice. This was already validated during the last assembly elections.” He further added, “Now Devendraji and I have begun our second innings as a team. Our agenda remains unchanged — the development of the state and extending help to the poor and the needy.”
The debate over Maratha reservation has once again created ripples across the state in recent weeks. Activist Manoj Jarange reignited the issue by launching a five-day hunger strike in Mumbai to press for his demands. Beginning his protest on 29 August, Jarange called it off on 2 September after the state government conceded most of his demands. Following the withdrawal of the agitation, Chief Minister Fadnavis announced that the government had worked out a solution in favor of the Maratha community.
The Mahayuti coalition currently ruling Maharashtra comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction headed by Ajit Pawar. Despite repeated rumors of friction, leaders of the alliance continue to assert that their partnership remains intact and focused on governance and public welfare.
