‘When They Took Me Lightly in 2022’: Eknath Shinde Hints at Govt Shake-Up Amid Reports of Rift in Mahayuti

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday issued a stern warning amid reports of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance, reminding it of the 2022 government change that saw him rise to power.  "Do not take me lightly; I have already told this to those who underestimated me," Shinde asserted, making it clear that he remains a force to be reckoned with in Maharashtra politics.

Calling himself a dedicated Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde stated, "I am a normal party worker, but I am a worker of Balasaheb. Everyone should acknowledge this while dealing with me." 

Talking further about the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis, he asserted, "When you took me lightly, the tables turned, and I changed the government. We formed a government that truly represented the wishes of the common people."  

For the unversed, Shinde had aligned with the BJP in 2022 after leading a rebellion that resulted in a split within the Shiv Sena, previously helmed by Uddhav Thackeray.

Shinde also highlighted his past electoral predictions, recalling his speech in the Vidhan Sabha. "I had said that Devendra Fadnavis ji would get more than 200 seats, and we secured 232 seats," he pointed out, underlining his political foresight.

Issuing a veiled warning to his critics, Shinde concluded, "Those who wish to understand this hint should do so. I will continue doing my work."

His remarks come at a time when internal rifts within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), BJP, and NCP ( Ajit Pawar faction), are becoming more evident, sparking speculation about political shifts in Maharashtra.   

Eknath Shinde Skips Key Government Events Amid Mahayuti Rift Speculation

Meanwhile, Shinde’s absence from three key government events has intensified speculation about growing tensions within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which came to power after a decisive victory in the November 2024 Assembly elections.

Shinde was notably missing from the inauguration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Badlapur (Thane district), the Maratha king’s birth anniversary celebrations at the historic Agra Fort, and the launch of the second phase of the Shivsrushti theme park in Ambegaon Budruk. All three events were attended by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, further fueling rumors of a cold war within the alliance.

Mahayuti Landslide Victory in 2024 Maharashtra Elections

The Mahayuti coalition—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—secured a commanding victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 of 288 seats.

Following legal battles, the Election Commission and the courts recognized Shinde’s faction as the rightful Shiv Sena, granting them the party name and symbol. The landslide victory in 2024 was seen as a strong mandate for the Mahayuti alliance.

However, Shinde’s recent absence from major state functions has raised questions about internal friction, even as he continues to assert his influence within Maharashtra’s politics.