Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s absence from key events—such as the unveiling of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Badlapur, the warrior king’s birth anniversary celebration at Agra Fort, and the inauguration of the second phase of Shivshrushti in Pune—has raised eyebrows. Is it just a coincidence, or is there an underlying ‘cold war’ within the Mahayuti alliance?

The Mahayuti government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was formed on December 5, 2024, in alliance with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. However, since its formation, reports of unease between Fadnavis and his deputy Shinde have surfaced over issues like the creation of an independent ‘war room’ to monitor projects, disputes over guardian minister appointments in Nashik and Raigad, and the establishment of a separate medical assistance centre. Adding fuel to the fire, Shinde was conspicuously absent from crucial events on February 18 and 19, all of which were attended by Fadnavis.