BJP no longer needs Shinde, claims Congress’ Wadettiwar

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra continues to grapple with internal discontent as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly upset and away in his hometown.

Senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday sparked speculation by suggesting that the BJP may no longer need Mr. Shinde, hinting at the possibility of a new leader emerging within the Shinde faction, similar to how Mr. Shinde himself rose to prominence after breaking away from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.

The Congress leader was reacting to talk within political circles about Mr. Shinde’s unhappiness over the appointment of guardian ministers by Mr. Fadnavis.

Reviewing work: Shinde

Sources said Mr. Shinde has left for his native village in Satara district for a personal visit. However, the Deputy Chief Minister dismissed the claims and said that he was staying in his village as he was touring the district to review the ongoing irrigation project works. “I want to end this speculation… I came to the village as I am touring the area to review the irrigation project works,” he said.

Mr. Wadettiwar said: “There is an ongoing discord within the Mahayuti despite its massive majority in the Assembly elections. First, there were delays in Cabinet expansion, then controversies over guardian minister appointments, and now, the reversal of these appointments within 24 hours. This clearly indicates that all is not well within the government.”

He further criticised the “instability”, saying: “Today, they are changing guardian ministers; tomorrow, they might replace ministers or even the deputy chief minister. At this rate, the public will eventually have to put this government on hold. Instead of focusing on district development, these three parties — BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP — are competing over who will grab the largest share of benefits. This has led to growing dissatisfaction within the alliance.”

He also questioned the government’s priorities, pointing out delays in implementing key promises like the Ladki Bahin scheme of ₹2,100 allowance for women beneficiaries, reducing the number of beneficiaries, and failing to address farmer loan waivers. “Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is embroiled in internal conflicts, dragging Maharashtra into chaos,” he claimed.