Don’t Take Me Lightly: Eknath Shinde Recalls 2022 Coup Amid Rumours Of Rift In Mahayuti Govt
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday sent a strong message ostensibly to his rivals, warning them against underestimating him.While his statement was in response to a recent bomb threat against him, the choice of words and tone has fueled speculation that it was also aimed at those within the ruling Mahayuti alliance who might be sidelining him.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Shinde said, “Do not take me lightly; I have already said this to those who have taken me lightly. I am a normal party worker, but I am a worker of Bala Saheb, and everyone should take me with this understanding.”
Shinde’s warning came after he received a death threat via email, in which an unidentified individual threatened to bomb his car. Similar emails were also sent to Mantralaya and the JJ Marg Police Station. Following an investigation, Mumbai police arrested two individuals, Mangesh Achyutrao Wayal (35) and Abhay Gajanan Shingane (22), from Buldhana district in connection with the threats.
Shinde went on to recall the dramatic events of 2022 when he led a rebellion, causing the fall of the then-Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in the state, which comprised Shiv Sena, Congress and the NCP. “When you took it lightly in 2022, the horse turned around, and I changed the government; we brought the government of the wishes of the common people,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
His remarks come at a time when reports of discord within the ruling Mahayuti coalition have been gaining traction. The alliance, consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is reportedly facing internal tensions over several issues, including key appointments and decision-making authority.
Reportedly, discontent has been brewing over the appointment of ‘guardian ministers’ for key districts such as Raigad and Nashik, with Shinde’s camp feeling sidelined in the decision-making process. Additionally, the recent reduction in security cover for Shiv Sena MLAs has raised concerns among his supporters.
Another notable development was Shinde’s exclusion from the State Disaster Management Authority. His absence from three major government events this month has only added to the speculation that all is not well within the ruling coalition. But, both Shinde and BJP leaders have publicly denied any discord within the alliance. However, insiders claim that BJP’s growing dominance in the coalition is a cause of concern for Shinde.
Reacting to the rift rumours, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government remains united in its commitment to development. “We are at war with those who are anti-development,” he said. However, Shinde’s remarks and his reference to the 2022 coup are seen as a veiled threat that he is still capable of pulling off another political manoeuvre if pushed to the margins.
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