Maharashtra Politics: ‘Do Not Take Me Lightly,’ Eknath Shinde Warns Opponents

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who appears increasingly frustrated with the administration under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, made a veiled statement on Friday. Issuing a warning to his political opponents, Shinde said, “Do not take me lightly. Those who need to understand this message should do so.”

While Shinde’s comments are typically directed at the opposition, particularly the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), this time, his pointed remark has sparked speculation that his warning might be aimed at a different target. The statement has stirred political circles, leaving many to question: Who was Shinde really addressing?

The growing tension appears to stem from recent developments, including investigations ordered by CM Fadnavis into decisions made during Shinde’s tenure as Chief Minister.

Earlier in the week, he had dismissed any reports of internal strife within the Mahayuti alliance, saying, “There is no cold war; everything is thanda-thanda, cool-cool.” However, just a day later, reports surfaced that Fadnavis had initiated an inquiry into a Rs900 crore housing project in Jalna, approved by Shinde during his term as CM. Additionally, the BMC scrapped a Rs1,400 crore tender for a slum cleaning project that Shinde had backed last year.

At a public rally in Nagpur, Shinde’s anger was once again on display. Addressing the media, he declared, “I am a staunch Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, and I should be evaluated accordingly. Those who underestimated me saw what I did – I toppled the MVA government and established a double-engine government. We, as Mahayuti, had set a target of winning more than 200 seats, and we succeeded in securing 232. So, no one should take me lightly.”

Taking a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray, who recently referred to himself as a 'tremor man' following continued defections from his party, Shinde said, “Some people claim to be 'tremor man,' but the public already pushed them out during the last elections. Those who abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and expelled dedicated leaders from their party will face further rejection.”

He further emphasised his party's growing influence, remarking, “People invest in shares that have market value, and my Shiv Sena has high market value.”

Concluding his speech, he reassured his supporters, "As long as you(people) stand with me, no force can challenge me.”