Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a strong warning, emphasizing that he should not be underestimated. His statement comes at a time when reports of internal tensions within the Mahayuti alliance and a possible cold war with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are making rounds.

Shinde’s Bold Message: “Don’t Take Me Lightly”

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur on Friday, Shinde made it clear that those who have taken him lightly in the past have faced consequences.

"I have already said—don’t take me lightly. Those who have underestimated me should understand this clearly. I am a simple party worker, but I am also Balasaheb’s worker. When you took me lightly in 2022, the tables turned, and the government changed. Those who need to understand this message should do so."

Shinde emphasized that he played a key role in forming the current government, which, according to him, is a government chosen by the people and strengthened by the double-engine model (BJP at the Center and State).

“Turned the Tables in 2022”

Reiterating his past political moves, Shinde reminded everyone how he led the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government in 2022 when he was dismissed as insignificant.

"In my first speech in the Assembly, I said that Devendra Fadnavis and I will ensure a victory of over 200 seats, and we got 232. That is why I am saying, don’t take me lightly. Those who need to understand this message should do so."

Mahayuti Alliance Rift Rumors Grow

Reports of tensions within Mahayuti have intensified after the Maharashtra government downgraded the security of several MLAs, including members of Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. The government justified this move by stating that resources needed to be allocated efficiently.

However, the security downgrade has been seen as a political snub, raising questions about whether there are deeper disagreements within the alliance.

Shinde’s Absence from Key Government Events Raises Eyebrows

Speculation about a power struggle within Mahayuti gained further traction after Eknath Shinde skipped multiple key government functions attended by CM Devendra Fadnavis.

According to reports, Shinde was absent from:

• The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Agra Fort
• The inauguration of Shivaji’s statue in Badlapur, Thane
• The launch of Shivsrushti theme park in Ambegaon

His absence has fueled rumors that all is not well between the two top leaders of Maharashtra’s ruling coalition.

Political Tensions in Maharashtra’s Mahayuti Government

The Mahayuti alliance, which came to power in November 2024, secured a massive victory with 232 seats, defeating the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). However, these recent developments indicate that there might be growing tensions between its key leaders, particularly between Shinde and Fadnavis.

While Shinde’s latest remarks seem like a direct warning to his political rivals, his absence from government events and the security downgrade of MLAs suggest that the internal power dynamics within Mahayuti could be shifting. Whether this will lead to a larger political fallout remains to be seen.