Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has publicly dismissed any speculation of a rift within the state's ruling alliance. He firmly denied tensions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, pointing to their recent interactions as proof of a cohesive partnership.
Fadnavis Counters Rumors of Discord
In a statement made on November 23, 2025, Fadnavis directly addressed the rumors circulating about his relationship with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He provided a specific example to counter these claims, revealing that the two leaders had met just the day before his statement.
"There is no such thing," Fadnavis asserted, referring to the alleged discord. He elaborated that he and Shinde Saheb had met at the Hutatma Smarak programme. According to Fadnavis, they not only met but also engaged in conversation upon arrival and before departing. Furthermore, he emphasized their coordination by stating, "we even told them each other's programme," indicating a shared understanding of their schedules and a functional working relationship.
A United Front and a Defence
Beyond addressing the dynamics with CM Shinde, Fadnavis also came to the defence of his ally, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. While the original report did not detail the specific criticisms against Pawar, Fadnavis's decision to publicly defend him signals a effort to present a united front within the complex multi-party coalition governing Maharashtra.
This show of unity is crucial for the stability of the state government, which has been formed through an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction.
Implications for Maharashtra's Political Landscape
Fadnavis's strong rebuttal is aimed at quelling internal dissent rumors that often plague coalition governments in India. By publicly highlighting their meeting and communication, he seeks to project an image of a harmonious and coordinated leadership.
This move is strategically important to prevent opposition parties from capitalizing on perceived weaknesses within the ruling alliance. Maintaining a public facade of unity is essential for the government to effectively implement its agenda and prepare for future electoral challenges. The defence of Ajit Pawar further solidifies this strategy, aiming to strengthen the bonds between the three allied parties.
