Maharashtra: Tensions Escalate Between CM Fadnavis and Dy CM Shinde Over Security and Control
Mumbai, 18th February 2025: The ongoing power struggle between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took a significant turn on Monday, as the state’s Home Department, overseen by Fadnavis, downgraded the security of over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who are not holding ministerial positions. Their security cover has been reduced from the Y+ category to a mere constable. Additionally, security for several other Sena leaders has been entirely withdrawn.
In an effort to maintain a delicate balance, the Home Department also removed security from certain BJP and NCP leaders affiliated with Ajit Pawar. However, the number of Shiv Sena leaders affected by the security cuts or withdrawal is considerably higher.
The Y-security cover had been granted to the legislators and Members of Parliament from Shinde’s faction in October 2022, shortly after he assumed the position of Chief Minister following his breakaway from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. At present, the security of most Sena legislators, except for those in ministerial roles, has been downgraded, while the cover for former MPs has been withdrawn altogether.
A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that these security adjustments were made based on an assessment of potential threats. “The changes were driven by the prevailing threat perception, which is a standard procedure,” the leader said.
The tension between the BJP and Shiv Sena, which initially began over disagreements concerning the guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik—a matter still unresolved—has now spread to other spheres of governance. On Monday, Shinde convened a review meeting for the industries department, which is headed by Shiv Sena’s Uday Samant. This was despite Fadnavis having conducted a similar review meeting in January. Shinde’s move came just days after Samant expressed concerns in a letter, claiming that key officials in his department were not keeping him informed about crucial policy decisions.
In another development, Shinde had skipped a meeting of the Nashik Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (NMRDA) that was called by Fadnavis last month to discuss preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Subsequently, Shinde held his own review session on the same issue.
Senior government officials have noted that the overlap in review meetings conducted by both the Chief Minister and the Deputy CM is causing unnecessary duplication. “Technically, the Deputy Chief Minister holds the same powers as any other cabinet minister. Therefore, his review meetings don’t have much substance beyond providing a status update,” commented a former bureaucrat familiar with the matter.
The growing rivalry between Fadnavis and Shinde continues to shape the political landscape in Maharashtra, with both leaders seeking to assert control over various facets of governance and administration.
