Shinde’s dissatisfaction has once again come into focus. His absence from four consecutive key meetings this month has fueled speculation, with political circles noting that his concerns no longer appear to be taken seriously by the BJP leadership.
The rift first surfaced on August 13, when Shinde skipped the state cabinet meeting amid a controversy over Independence Day flag-hoisting functions. His close aides — ministers Dada Bhuse and Bharat Gogavale — were denied the opportunity to hoist flags in their home districts, Nashik and Konkan, with responsibilities instead handed to BJP’s Girish Mahajan and NCP’s Aditi Tatkare. With full-time guardian ministers yet to be appointed in these districts, Gogavale even approached the BJP leadership in Delhi multiple times but received little response.
Shinde’s absence has since continued. Despite being Mumbai’s guardian minister, he skipped a crucial law-and-order review meeting on Ganeshotsav preparations called by Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House. On August 19, though in Mumbai, Shinde skipped another cabinet meeting, choosing instead to inspect the Mithi river during heavy rains. Again, on August 22, he missed a war room review on AMRUT 2.0 and social sector schemes, where Fadnavis expressed displeasure over delays in Shinde’s own urban development department.
Adding to the speculation, Shinde was also absent from high-profile public events such as the inauguration of a double bridge in Pune and the launch of a drinking water project in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar — both attended by Fadnavis as the chief guest.
The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has seized on these absences, calling them evidence of cracks within the ruling alliance.
Shinde, however, has denied any rift, insisting: “We are united against those who oppose development.” Still, his repeated absence and unresolved issues — such as the delayed appointment of guardian ministers — are raising questions about the Mahayuti’s cohesion, especially with local body elections approaching in Maharashtra.
