Fadnavis Vs Shinde: Security Of 20 Shiv Sena MLAs In Maharashtra Downgraded To One Constable

Maharashtra's Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has significantly reduced the security detail of 20 MLAs loyal to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Source : PTI

Maharashtra News: The apparent rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde seems to be growing by the day. In the latest tussle, Fadnavis on Monday, February 17, downgraded the security of 20 MLAs of the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. These leaders earlier had Y+ security with 11 security personnel, including 2-4 commandos and cops.

But after the decision of the Fadnavis government, their security cover has been reduced to just one constable.

Fadnavis Maintains Balance

However, as a balance, CM Fadnavis has also withdrawn the security provided to some BJP and NCP leaders led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. But these MLAs number much fewer than that of the Shinde faction.

Notably, the Home Department in the Maharashtra government is held by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself.

Since the results of the Maharashtra elections were announced and Fadnavis replaced Shinde as the CM, a rift has opened up between the two leaders.

Shinde, Fadnavis Chair Separate Meetings For Same Department

Before the withdrawal of the Shiv Sena MLAs' security cover, Eknath Shinde held a review meeting of the Industries Department. However, Fadnavis had already chaired a review meeting of the department in January.

The industries department is with Shinde faction leader Uday Samant. In a letter earlier, Uday Samant complained that the department officials were not giving him information about major policies. This was the reason why Deputy CM Shinde held the meeting again.

Shinde Missing From Kumbh Mela Meeting

Last month, Shinde did not attend a meeting of the Nashik Municipal Area Regional Development Authority called by Fadnavis on preparations for the Kumbh Mela to be held in 2027. He later held his own review meeting on the same matter.

Shinde even set up a Deputy Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Cell in the ministry and appointed his close associate as its head. This was the first time that a Deputy Chief Minister had set up such a cell despite the existence of the Chief Minister's Relief Cell.

(With inputs from ABP News.)