In the buzzing political corridors of Maharashtra, the cold war between Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde is becoming widely discussed. Recently, the Chief Minister's office ordered an inquiry into a 900-crore project in the Jalna district, sanctioned during Shinde's tenure. This is a significant setback for Shinde and signals tension between the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
This isn't the first time Devendra Fadnavis has cornered Shinde since becoming Chief Minister. Both leaders are seen seizing chances to assert their prowess, and with the CM's office blocking avenues for Shinde and ministers, improved relations appear less likely.
Fadnavis Cancels Contract for 1310 Buses
After assuming office, Devendra Fadnavis canceled Shinde's decision to contract 1310 buses for the State Transport Corporation. Allegations surfaced regarding the tweaking of tender processes to favor particular contractors, leading to over a 2000-crore loss. Shinde had appointed his close ally, Bharat Gogavale, as the ST Corporation chair.
Bharat Gogavale decided to procure 1310 buses, but CM Fadnavis scrapped the contract, instructing for a fresh and transparent start of the process. Fadnavis's first trip to Davos aimed at inviting substantial investments. Before leaving, he appointed guardian ministers for each district, excluding Shinde's associates from the list.
The Bitter Appointment of Guardian Ministers
In Raigad, Devendra Fadnavis appointed NCP's Sunil Tatkare's daughter, Aditi, as the Guardian Minister. Considering the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik, the responsibility was assigned to Girish Mahajan. Dissatisfied, Shinde retreated to his ancestral village, and his discontent echoed to Davos, leading to the suspension of these ministerial appointments.
Eknath Shinde's Close Ally Faces Challenges
Eknath Shinde's loyalist, Uday Samant, now a minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, faces disruption as decisions in his department occur without his input. Samant sent a letter voicing concerns and demanding prior consultation before any decisions.
Review of Policies During Shinde's Tenure
Redirecting focus, CM Fadnavis has asked for the review of previous initiatives like 'Shivbhojan Thali', initiated by Uddhav Thackeray, and Shinde's 'Anandacha Shidha'. These programs cost the exchequer substantially, adding to the state's financial burden.
Changes in Leadership Affecting Relationships
With the extension of the cabinet, a rush to appoint PAs and OSDs emerged, yet the CM office scrutinized all recommendations. This sparked dissatisfaction as many saw it as an overreach into their jurisdiction.
War Room Meetings Exclude Shinde
CM Fadnavis established a 'war room' to oversee crucial projects, but Shinde distanced himself, opting to create his Coordination Committee. When Shinde was CM, the relief funds were delegated to his close aide Mangesh Chivate. Fadnavis reappointed Rameshwar Naik as the fund head, leading Shinde to open a medical cell at the ministry, reinstating Chivate.
Further dramatic incidents signify the growing rift between Fadnavis and Shinde, impacting cabinet interactions. This ongoing cold war stems from the numerous projects approved by Shinde without sufficient fiscal foresight, straining the state's finances.
