Eknath Shinde Dismisses Rift Rumors, Highlights Unity in Maharashtra’s Mahayuti
Amid growing speculation about a rift within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance, Mahayuti, regarding the withdrawal of Y-security cover for Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has dismissed any such claims.
Shinde categorically denied reports of a “cold war” with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, reinforcing that their focus remains on governance and development.
Establishment of Medical Aid Cell at Mantralaya
Despite the existence of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), Eknath Shinde has established a new medical aid cell at Mantralaya.
Explaining the move, he said, “The establishment of this cell is a step forward in our collective efforts to assist citizens. It will connect with the Chief Minister’s War Room and is intended to enhance service delivery, not to create a competing system.”
He further emphasized that a similar initiative was set up by Devendra Fadnavis on October 31, 2023, when Fadnavis was the deputy chief minister.
“I have simply reconstituted it with my people overseeing its operations,” Shinde added.
Mangesh Chivate to Lead the Medical Aid Cell
Shinde’s close aide, Mangesh Chivate, has been appointed as the head of the new medical aid cell.
Chivate clarified that the cell will not provide direct financial assistance but will guide citizens on accessing aid from government schemes such as:
- Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF)
- Charitable Hospital Scheme
- National Child Health Programme
- Ayushman Bharat
- Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana
“When Shinde was chief minister, I was doing the same work using the CM Relief Fund, and we helped many people. Now, I will do the same work, except that this cell will not disburse funds but provide all assistance to needy patients,” Chivate explained.
During Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister, ₹267.5 crore was disbursed to approximately 32,000 patients for costly surgeries, including organ transplants and specialized treatments for children suffering from thalassemia and cochlear implant procedures.
Devendra Fadnavis Supports the Initiative
On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that there is nothing wrong with the formation of the medical aid cell, as it aims to help people.
“When I was the deputy chief minister, I had formed a similar cell,” Fadnavis told reporters, dismissing any concerns of political discord.
Controversy Over Security Cover Withdrawal
Speculation regarding a rift in the Mahayuti alliance intensified after reports surfaced that Eknath Shinde was displeased with the withdrawal of security cover for Shiv Sena MLAs.
Initially, Y-security cover was provided to 44 MLAs and 11 Lok Sabha MPs who had supported Shinde when he rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray.
However, the government has now withdrawn the security cover for all MLAs who are not ministers.
Reports suggested that Shinde was unhappy with the move, but Fadnavis defended the decision, saying it was based on security assessments rather than political considerations.
Sanjay Raut Alleges “Parallel Government”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has alleged that a “parallel government” is operating within Maharashtra’s administration. “If the government continues to operate in this manner, political chaos will escalate further,” Raut told reporters.
He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating elections through electronic voting machines (EVMs) to secure victories for 56 to 57 MLAs. “Now, they are challenging their own government,” Raut claimed.
Murder of Santosh Deshmukh Raises Law and Order Concerns
Raut further targeted the Mahayuti government over the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, in December 2024.
He claimed that the administration has become deaf to public concerns, questioning the state’s law and order situation.
According to Raut, the chief minister appears to be shielding individuals connected to his old associates in the BJP’s youth wing.
This was seen as a veiled reference to state NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who has faced scrutiny following the arrest of his close aide Walmik Karad in an extortion case linked to the sarpanch’s murder.
Despite speculation of tensions in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance, both Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis have dismissed any notion of discord.
While the security cover withdrawal remains a contentious issue, Shinde’s establishment of a medical aid cell has been defended as an effort to enhance public assistance rather than a move against the existing system.
Meanwhile, opposition voices, particularly from Shiv Sena (UBT), continue to challenge the government’s actions, fueling political debates in the state.
