Has Eknath Shinde complained against Ajit Pawar? Buzz grows over discord within Mahayuti

File photo of Eknath Shinde (L) and Ajit Pawar

It has been over five months since Mahayuti returned to power, and one man has constantly remained in the news – Eknath Shinde. There has been a flurry of reports about him being unhappy for one reason or another. The latest in the series is his uneasy relationship with Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra's political corridors are abuzz with the news that things have gone so far downhill that Shinde had to "complain" to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are Deputy Chief Ministers and chiefs of their respective parties, Shiv Sena and NCP. In terms of strength in the legislative assembly, Shiv Sena is number two, followed by the NCP, with the BJP being the single largest party. However, the Shinde camp feels it is getting step-motherly treatment within the government. The Shinde vs. Pawar tussle is clearly visible to observers of state politics.

The primary cause of friction is the manner in which funds are allotted to various departments by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar. Shiv Sena ministers feel that funds are disproportionately allocated, tilting towards departments held by ministers belonging to the BJP and NCP.

The inadequate salary payment to the employees of the state transport corporation, held by Shiv Sena, is a recent example that led to friction between the two allies. Also, the delay in clearance of files by the Finance Department has irked the Shinde Sena.

Another cause of discord between Shinde and Pawar is the appointment of guardian ministers for various districts. Nasik and Raigad are two contentious districts where both leaders want their men as guardian ministers. Due to the dispute, CM Fadnavis has kept the appointments for these two districts in abeyance.

It has been reported that Eknath Shinde held two closed-door meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to apprise him of his concerns. However, on camera, Shinde has denied that he complained against Pawar.

Pawar also claimed that all is well between him and Shinde. Both Shinde and Pawar were not given the opportunity to speak on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi. Only Fadnavis addressed the gathering, and this has not gone down well with the Shiv Sena and NCP.

It remains to be seen whether internal discord within the Mahayuti alliance will impact the upcoming civic body polls or not. Although the three parties have contested the last Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections together, it is yet obscure whether they will fight the civic polls in alliance.