Sanjay Raut Alleges Tensions Between Fadnavis and Shinde Affecting Maharashtra's Progress
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claims that the strained relationship between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is hindering the state's progress. Raut writes that the lack of communication between the two leaders is turning thei
PoliticsMaharashtraDevendra FadnavisEknath ShindeShiv SenaReal Estate MaharashtraFeb 02, 2025
Writing in his weekly column, Rokhthok, in the party's mouthpiece Saamna, Raut claimed that the two leaders have “almost no real communication anymore,” turning their rivalry into a “source of entertainment for the public.”
Raut stated that the discord has left the state administration “paralysed,” despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance—comprising the BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—holding a comfortable majority with 230 out of 288 seats.
“Those who rise through treachery often fall by it.
The attacks on Shinde have begun, and Maharashtra has been left in a state of uncertainty and disorder,” Raut wrote.
According to Raut, Shinde is struggling to accept that he was not reinstated as Chief Minister after the November 2024 Assembly elections.
He is allegedly making desperate attempts to reclaim the post, which Fadnavis is fully aware of.
Raut also claimed that the BJP is systematically undermining Shinde’s influence in his stronghold of Thane, pointing to the appointment of BJP leader Ganesh Naik as the guardian minister of Palghar district.
This move is seen as part of a strategy to weaken Shinde’s grip.
“Naik was already a minister in the first Shiv Sena-BJP government when Shinde was just a municipal councillor.
He will not take orders from Shinde,” Raut stated.
Naik’s recent remarks about expanding the BJP’s presence in Thane have fueled speculation of an impending power struggle.
Raut alleged that Shinde’s role within the government has diminished significantly.
“He is often absent from crucial cabinet meetings, and when he does attend, he is noticeably late.
On January 30, he arrived two-and-a-half hours late for a District Planning Committee meeting at the World Trade Centre,” Raut claimed.
In a striking allegation, Raut said Shinde feels politically cornered and even suspects his phone calls are being monitored.
Quoting a senior Shiv Sena MLA, he claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised Shinde that the 2024 Assembly elections would be fought under his leadership and that he would retain the CM’s post.
“Encouraged by this promise, Shinde spent enormous amounts of money during the campaign.
However, when the time came, Shah didn’t keep his word, leaving Shinde feeling deceived,” Raut claimed.
Raut further alleged that Shinde suspects central agencies are tracking his movements and that RSS operatives have been deployed as personal assistants to ministers from both Shinde’s faction and Ajit Pawar’s camp to monitor activities and curb corruption.
While a senior BJP minister recently dismissed reports of tensions, claiming there were no “major differences” between Fadnavis and Shinde, Raut countered this by pointing out that similar denials were made before the Shiv Sena split in 2022.
“What happened after that is something the entire country witnessed,” he said, hinting at possible political realignments in the future.
Raut also claimed growing unease within Shinde’s camp, with some MLAs reportedly contemplating a return to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) or even switching to the BJP under Fadnavis’s leadership.
However, fear of action from central agencies has left many hesitant, he alleged.
Raut suggested that Ajit Pawar enjoys a more stable political position.
“Pawar understands his limitations and has built a stronger working relationship with Fadnavis.
Unlike Shinde, he has no aspirations of becoming CM and is content with a politically safer position,” Raut concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main issues between Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde as per Sanjay Raut?
According to Sanjay Raut, the main issues between Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde include lack of communication, Shinde’s struggle to accept not being reinstated as Chief Minister, and the BJP’s efforts to undermine Shinde’s influence in Thane.
How is the strained relationship between Fadnavis and Shinde affecting Maharashtra's administration?
Raut claims that the strained relationship has left the state administration 'paralysed' and has created a state of uncertainty and disorder in Maharashtra.
What does Sanjay Raut claim about the BJP's strategy to weaken Eknath Shinde?
Raut claims that the BJP is systematically undermining Shinde’s influence in his stronghold of Thane by appointing BJP leader Ganesh Naik as the guardian minister of Palghar district.
What has Shinde alleged about his phone calls and movements?
Raut alleges that Shinde feels politically cornered and suspects his phone calls are being monitored and that central agencies are tracking his movements.
How does Sanjay Raut describe Ajit Pawar's political position?
Raut suggests that Ajit Pawar enjoys a more stable political position because he understands his limitations, has built a stronger working relationship with Fadnavis, and has no aspirations of becoming Chief Minister.
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