Amid swirling speculation of internal discord, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has firmly rejected any notion of a rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Shiv Sena leader asserted that the coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains robust and functional.
No Allegations, Constant Touch: Shinde on Alliance Dynamics
Shinde categorically stated that neither he nor Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have made any allegations against each other. "We are in constant touch," he emphasized, adding that there have been no differences on key issues. He portrayed the partnership as a cohesive unit, describing it as a "united front." The Deputy CM stressed that both constituent parties are expected to adhere to the established norms of their coalition. "Coalition dharma should be followed," he remarked, underlining the imperative for coordination and mutual restraint within the government.
Local Focus of Civic Polls Campaign
Shinde, who was campaigning for the ongoing municipal and town council elections, sought to contextualize the political activity. He clarified that these elections are fundamentally local in nature, contested on local issues by local party workers. "There is no need to bring bigger or state-level political issues into these contests," he advised. However, he acknowledged that grassroots workers appreciate the presence of senior leaders during campaigns, which explains the active participation of alliance leaders across the state.
He maintained that the outcomes of such local body polls often hinge on the strength and performance of local leadership rather than broader state-level narratives. "We have focused on development and on the work our candidates have done during the campaign and are not levelling allegations against each other," Shinde reiterated, reinforcing his message of alliance harmony.
On Poll Postponement and Sena Office Raid
The Deputy Chief Minister also commented on two other developments. Regarding the State Election Commission's decision to postpone elections in a few municipal councils, Shinde termed the move "unfortunate." He stated that halting an electoral process once it has commenced is generally not appropriate. He mentioned having sought detailed information on the matter and said he would comment further after a thorough review.
When asked about a raid conducted at the office of Shiv Sena leader Shahaji Bapu Patil, Shinde downplayed its significance. He indicated that an inquiry would follow standard procedures but described the incident as "neither serious nor unusual," effectively brushing aside suggestions of any politically motivated action.
Shinde's comprehensive remarks aim to project a picture of stability and cooperation within the Mahayuti alliance, even as it navigates the competitive landscape of Maharashtra's local body elections.
