MUMBAI: The political circle in Maharashtra is abuzz with the possible rift between Chief minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The smoke of doubt rose after Shinde’s Shiv Sena released a full-page advertisement, ‘Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra’, in several newspapers on Tuesday.
At first glance, the advertisement looked innocuous, as Sena leaders shared the glory with the biggest leader of its alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), PM Narendra Modi.
However, people with lenses quickly pointed out the absence of one of the BJP’s tallest leaders in the state, Fadnavis, who showed magnanimity to make way for Shinde to become the CM.
To rub salt on Fadnavis supporters, the original advertisement appeared to have projected CM Shinde as the most preferred CM (with 26 per cent of votes), while Fadnavis was pegged at 23.2 per cent.
Following the advertisement, Fadnavis cancelled his scheduled visit to Kolhapur district on June 13, citing “medical reasons”. Fadnavis was expected to attend a government program alongside Eknath Shinde, but his absence further fueled speculation about the strained relationship between the allies.
Perhaps sensing the mood in the coalition, the Sena published another advertisement in Marathi newspapers on Wednesday. The new advertisement featured photographs of both Shinde and Fadnavis, alongside PM Modi, Union Home minister Amit Shah, Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray, Anant Dighe, and nine ministers from the Sena.
😂🤭🤣😅🤣 pic.twitter.com/NTdOeXZv3f
— Praveen Reddy (@Praveen_Prabha_) June 13, 2023
The new advertisement also sought to emphasise the support for the Shinde-Fadnavis-led government, stating that 49.3 per cent back their administration. Additionally, it highlighted that 62 per cent of respondents believed in the efficacy of a joint government.
While they expressed their dissatisfaction, the BJP said that there would be no impact on the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “Nobody’s importance is diminished because of anybody. Devendra Fadnavis is in the minds of the people of the state as a leader. The reason for this is that he was favoured twice in a row.”
30.2% of people surveyed want a BJP government.
Only 16.2% want a Shiv Sena Shinde government.
(Lol more than 50% want a non-BJP non Shiv Sena Shinde government.)But even those who want a BJP government want Eknath Shinde as CM? (26.1% 🤣)
Okay. pic.twitter.com/n4xfMaHXk5
— sarvarta (@sarvarta) June 13, 2023
“One thing is clear, the people of Maharashtra love the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Modiji. Hence, there will be no impact on the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance,” Bawankule added.
However, tensions between the two parties became evident when Devendra Fadnavis cancelled his scheduled visit to Kolhapur district on June 13, citing “medical reasons.” Fadnavis was expected to attend a government program alongside Eknath Shinde, but his absence further fueled speculation about the strained relationship between the allies.
Responding to the brewing controversy during his visit to Kolhapur, CM Shinde acknowledged the increased responsibilities bestowed upon him and Fadnavis as chosen leaders.
Now do the Math, @mieknathshinde and @BJP4Maharashtra.
69.8% of Maharashtrians don’t prefer BJP. 83.8% don’t prefer Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
73.9% don’t like CM Eknath Shinde. 76.8% don’t want Fadnavis as next CM.Numerical literacy is for all. Who approved this ad? pic.twitter.com/BdG49ouJDg
— Philip Eapen (@ppeapen) June 13, 2023
CM Shinde also expressed gratitude for the support they had received, highlighting the progress and development evident in the state.
Deepak Kesarkar, the spokesperson for Shinde’s camp and the Education Minister, sought to downplay the tensions between the Shiv Sena and BJP.
“There are no differences between the Sena and the BJP. If there is any mistake, the advertisement can be rectified. In case of any misunderstanding, we can always come together and resolve it through discussions,” Kesarkar added.
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