Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was absent from a key meeting called by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, sparking intense chatter in political corridors.
There has been ongoing speculation that Shinde is unhappy, with recent events fuelling these discussions.
On Wednesday Fadnavis convened a meeting at Sahyadri Guest House to discuss the metropolitan development authorities of Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Since Shinde heads the Urban Development Department, his presence was expected at the meeting. However, instead of attending, he chose to attend the Malanggad festival. Interestingly, the meeting was not even listed in his official schedule for the day
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, although the meeting was related to Shinde’s department, he had informed them in advance that he would be unable to attend due to a pre-scheduled event. However, this has sparked debate: Was the Malanggad event truly more important than the meeting, or did Shinde deliberately skip it?
The meeting was attended by Fadnavis, other concerned ministers, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Reasons for discontent
Not being appointed as chief minister
Denial of home ministry portfolio
Disputes over guardian minister appointments
Exclusion from disaster management committee
