Amid ongoing speculations about the rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde, the latter has dismissed any reports of a “cold war” between them.
Addressing reports of internal discord, Deputy CM Shinde took a swipe at the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the INDI alliance, asserting that no such tensions exist in their government. “There is no cold war as this is not Maha Vikas Aghadi or INDI alliance. Our war is with the people who are opposing the development of Maharashtra, “Shinde told news 18.
Shinde emphasised that he and Fadnavis are working together, even jokingly remarking, he said, “We are ‘thanda thanda cool cool.’” Speculation about tensions between the two leaders gained traction after last year’s state assembly elections.
Security Cover Removed For Over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs
Recently, the state home department, led by CM Fadnavis, reduced the security cover for over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who are not ministers, downgrading them from Y+ security to just one constable. Additionally, security cover for some other Sena leaders was withdrawn, fuelling concerns over growing friction between the two top leaders.
At the same time, security cover for some BJP leaders and members of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP was also withdrawn, seemingly as a balancing measure. However, a larger number of Shiv Sena leaders have faced security downgrades or withdrawals compared to others.
Following Eknath Shinde’s rebellion and coming into alliance with the BJP in 2022, the Maharashtra government granted Y-security cover to 44 state legislators and 11 Lok Sabha MPs who backed him. Sources indicate that after a security review, the cover has now been either downgraded or removed for all Shiv Sena MLAs and other leaders, including key aides of the party chief who do not hold ministerial positions.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that security-related decisions are made by the Security Review Committee, which periodically assesses the threat levels and makes necessary adjustments. “There is no political interference in the decisions by the committee. Therefore, no one should do politics on it,” he said, NDTV reported.
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