States » WestPosted at: Oct 12 2026 9:04PM


Maha: Rift in Mahayuti? Both Deputy CMs absent as CM Fadnavis chairs high-level drought review with central team

Mumbai, Oct 12 (UNI) Widespread political speculation has erupted within Maharashtra’s ruling alliance after both Deputy Chief Ministers — Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar — were absent from a high-level review meeting on drought conditions chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The crucial meeting was held on Sunday at the Chief Minister’s official residence 'Varsha', following an extensive site visit by a visiting Central assessment team. The delegation briefed CM Fadnavis on the severity of crop losses, severe drinking water shortages, and growing distress among agrarian communities across the state.
However, the complete absence of Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Sunetra Pawar (NCP) from the key decision-making process sparked intense debate in political circles over internal coordination within the Mahayuti coalition.
While Sunetra Pawar was not present, her party was represented by Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne and Relief & Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil. The presence of NCP cabinet ministers in the absence of the party's top deputy leadership raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
The exclusion of Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde attracted particular attention as it came shortly after his October 5 visit to New Delhi, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an hour-long discussion to seek urgent central financial assistance and brief him on the severe drought impact on farmers. Shinde had earlier conducted ground assessments in affected agricultural belts in September.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has not issued any official statement regarding the absence of both Deputy Chief Ministers, leaving it unclear whether the non-invitation was an administrative oversight or pointed to political friction among the three ruling partners — BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
Though reports suggest growing discontent among certain ministers and legislators from the partner parties, no official statements have been released by the respective party leaderships.
While administrative relief and central aid allocation remain the top priority for drought-hit farmers, maintaining cohesion among alliance partners remains crucial as the government formulates its final relief package.
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Tags: #Maha: Rift in Mahayuti? Both Deputy CMs absent as CM Fadnavis chairs high-level drought review with central team
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