Fri Feb 21 13:33:03 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde Issues Warning Amidst Reports of Rift with BJP

**Mumbai, India –** Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a veiled warning Friday, ostensibly in response to bomb threats against him but also amid growing speculation of a rift between his Shiv Sena faction and its BJP allies in the state government.

Shinde, whose 2022 rebellion led to the collapse of Uddhav Thackeray’s government and brought the BJP back to power, declared he was unafraid of threats, stating, “Threats came before too… attempts were made too, but I am not afraid.” He then added pointedly, “Do not take me lightly… I have already said this to those who took me lightly. I am a normal party worker… but I am also a worker of Balasaheb (Thackeray).” He further emphasized his role in the BJP’s election victory, claiming he predicted their success and delivered it.

These comments followed reports of escalating tensions between Shinde and the BJP, including the downgrading of security for Shinde’s Shiv Sena MLAs. Although the government attributed this to a security review, sources suggest Shinde is unhappy about being sidelined, particularly after being passed over for the Chief Minister’s position in favor of Devendra Fadnavis. Further fueling the rumors are Shinde’s recent absence from several government events led by Fadnavis, and disagreements over key appointments.

While both the BJP and Shinde deny a major rift, the situation remains tense. The recent Maharashtra assembly election resulted in a comfortable majority for the ruling coalition (BJP, Shinde Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction), but the current friction highlights underlying power struggles within the alliance. The easily won election seems to be masking a growing instability within the Maharashtra government.

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