We’re Thanda Thanda Cool Cool: Shinde On Rift Report With Fadnavis
Mumbai: Amid ongoing speculations about a rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde, the latter has dismissed any reports of a “cold war” between them.
Addressing rumors of internal discord, Deputy CM Shinde took a swipe at the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the INDI alliance, asserting that no such tensions exist in their government. “There is no cold war as this is not the Maha Vikas Aghadi or the INDI alliance. Our battle is against those opposing the development of Maharashtra,” Shinde told News18.
Shinde emphasized his camaraderie with Fadnavis, even jokingly remarking, “We are ‘thanda thanda cool cool,’” in a bid to downplay any reported friction. Speculations about tensions between the two leaders gained momentum following last year’s state assembly elections.
Security Cover Reduced for Over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs
Adding fuel to the speculations, the Maharashtra home department, led by CM Fadnavis, recently downgraded the security cover for over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who are not ministers. Their security status was reduced from Y+ security to just one constable, while the security cover of some other Shiv Sena leaders was withdrawn entirely, leading to concerns about growing friction between the two leaders.
In a move perceived as a balancing act, security cover for some BJP leaders and members of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP was also reduced. However, a larger number of Shiv Sena leaders were affected by these security downgrades compared to others.
Following Eknath Shinde’s rebellion and subsequent alliance with the BJP in 2022, the Maharashtra government had granted Y-security cover to 44 state legislators and 11 Lok Sabha MPs who backed him. Sources indicate that after a recent security review, the cover has now been either downgraded or removed for all Shiv Sena MLAs and key party leaders who do not hold ministerial positions.
CM Fadnavis Clarifies Security Review Process
Addressing concerns over the security downgrades, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that such decisions are made by the Security Review Committee, which periodically assesses threat levels and makes necessary adjustments.
“There is no political interference in the committee’s decisions. Therefore, no one should politicize the issue,” Fadnavis said, as reported by NDTV.
With security downgrades triggering fresh political debates, the ruling alliance faces increasing
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