India Morning News
Mumbai: Political tension inside the Maharashtra government escalated today as all ministers from the Eknath Shinde–led Shiv Sena skipped the main cabinet meeting in Mumbai. Except for CM Eknath Shinde himself, no minister from his group attended the session. They were present in the pre-cabinet meeting but later avoided the cabinet and instead met Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis separately in his office. The move has triggered strong speculation of friction within the ruling alliance.
Shinde camp ministers are upset with the BJP over several issues during the ongoing local body elections.
According to sources, the main reasons for the dissatisfaction include:
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BJP giving election tickets to leaders who recently joined from the Shinde camp.
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BJP inducting candidates who previously opposed Shinde group leaders.
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Funds and key decisions being made without informing Shinde group ministers.
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BJP allegedly not following alliance norms in several local elections.
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Difficulty faced by Shinde group ministers in securing funds for development work.
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Independent moves by BJP in areas like Sambhajinagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Konkan without consulting the Shinde group.
Opposition leader Sushma Andhare from the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena commented that this situation was expected ever since Shinde’s split from the party. She alleged that the BJP is gradually sidelining both Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
