All is not well within Maharashtra's alliance government. The internal differences between Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP are surfacing. A significant meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in Pune became the talk of the town. This meeting is linked to internal disputes over fund allocation in the Maharashtra alliance government.
According to sources, Eknath Shinde expressed concerns over delays in approvals of finance-related files to Union Home Minister Shah. The finance department is currently under Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Shinde mentioned that files regarding Shiv Sena ministers and legislators' developmental plans remain stuck for extended periods, affecting critical projects.
Did Shinde Address Salary Payment Issues?
He reiterated the need for 'equality and transparency' among alliance partners, emphasizing that fund distribution and file approvals should be impartial. Shinde also mentioned the recent salary payment issues of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees, resolved by his intervention with the finance secretary. The funding-related delays in salaries under Shiv Sena's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik were addressed after Shinde's direct engagement with the finance secretary.
Source: aajtak
Ajit Pawar Dismisses Allegations
However, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar dismissed these allegations during a conversation with journalists in Satara. He stated that he hadn't received such complaints from Amit Shah. Pawar further clarified that if Eknath Shinde had any objections, he would speak directly to CM Devendra Fadnavis or him. He emphasized focusing on facts rather than speculations.
This development raises questions about the coordination within the alliance government.
Maharashtra Power Balance...
Earlier, an order related to power balance in Maharashtra was issued. CM Devendra Fadnavis ensured equal distribution of powers to maintain balance among the three major parties. On March 18, 2025, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik issued an order stating that every finance and planning department file (currently under Ajit Pawar) will first pass through Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and then to CM Devendra Fadnavis for final approval. This step is seen as a measure to maintain political balance.
During the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government tenure, when Uddhav Thackeray was CM and Ajit Pawar held finance, the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde accused Ajit Pawar of favoritism, claiming that funds were firstly allocated to NCP, then Congress, and finally Shiv Sena, which became a key reason for the MVA's collapse.
Sanjay Raut Mocks the Alliance Government
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leader Sanjay Raut mocked the upheaval within the alliance, predicting that there would be unrest in the cabinet. He hinted at an eventual fight over Maharashtra's funds within the cabinet. He advised waiting to see what unfolds.
The ongoing dispute over the guardian minister position in Raigad district remains unresolved. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP ministers and legislators are contending for the position. During his Maharashtra tour, Amit Shah attended a program at Raigad fort and later went to lunch at the residence of Sunil Tatkare, the NCP state president and local MP. His visit sparked political discussions.
Amit Shah's Lunch at Sunil Tatkare's Residence
According to the news agency, Tatkare described the lunch as apolitical, clarifying that the guardian minister issue wasn't on the agenda. During the lunch, Maharashtrian dishes were served, and Anand Shah accepted the invitation, enjoying the simple meal. Tatkare mentioned they had also invited Shiv Sena leaders from Raigad for lunch, though their absence was noted. This absence fueled further speculation about possible disagreements over guardian minister allocations in Raigad and Nashik within the BJP-led coalition.
After participating in an event on the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad fort, Shah, CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar proceeded to Tatkare's residence in Geetabagh, Sutarwadi, Raigad. Ministers Shivendra Singh Bhosale, Ashish Shelar, and Central Minister Murlidhar Mohol also attended the lunch.
Alliance Government in Maharashtra
Maharashtra under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis is governed by an alliance. This January, NCP legislator Aditi Tatkare and BJP leader Girish Mahajan were appointed guardian ministers of Raigad and Nashik, respectively. However, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena's resistance led the Fadnavis government to hold off on both district appointments. The ruling alliance consists of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's NCP.
