The exclusion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sparked political controversy, with many seeing it as a sign of growing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The restructured SDMA, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, includes Deputy CM Ajit Pawar but has left out Shinde, despite his crucial role as head of the urban development department, which is central to disaster response efforts.
The SDMA, formed after the 2005 Mumbai floods, is responsible for coordinating emergency responses, making Shinde’s omission particularly noteworthy. Political analysts suggest this move reflects a power struggle between Fadnavis and Shinde, with the BJP consolidating control over key decisions.
Reports of discontent within Mahayuti have persisted since the coalition’s formation, with Shinde reportedly unhappy over cabinet allocations and the appointment of district guardian ministers, especially in Raigad and Nashik. The controversial appointment of NCP leader Aditi Tatkare as Raigad’s guardian minister, despite objections from Shinde’s camp, further fueled speculation of BJP and NCP sidelining the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde.
While a senior BJP minister has dismissed reports of infighting, observers believe Shinde’s gradual marginalization within the alliance is becoming more evident. His exclusion from the key disaster management body is being interpreted as another sign of Mahayuti’s internal power struggles, adding to the uncertainty over its long-term stability.
