As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the political atmosphere is heating up. The much-anticipated contest between the Maha Yuti (Grand Alliance) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi is drawing closer, with the election expected to be announced soon. However, cracks seem to be forming within the ruling Maha Yuti alliance. Reports have surfaced of a heated argument between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
According to TV9 Marathi sources, the dispute arose over the ambitious Alibaug-Virar Corridor project, a key initiative of Chief Minister Shinde. Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, allegedly refused to approve the project, leading to a sharp exchange of words between the two leaders. It is said that the disagreement escalated, with Shinde expressing frustration over Pawar's decision to block the project.
CM Shinde reportedly pointed out that if the finance department fails to clear the project, it could still be approved under the Chief Minister's special powers. This remark seemed to have angered Ajit Pawar, who, according to TV9 Marathi reports, left the meeting before it officially concluded.
However, Ajit Pawar has since issued a clarification. "I did not walk out of the cabinet meeting early. After important discussions were completed, I left for a pre-scheduled event in Udgir. I had informed both Shinde and Fadnavis before leaving. The reports claiming that I left the meeting abruptly within 10 minutes are completely false," Pawar stated, downplaying the incident.
Despite Pawar's clarification, political observers are speculating about growing tensions within the Maha Yuti. The incident has provided ammunition for opposition leaders to criticize the alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, known for his sharp remarks, weighed in on the matter. "There is never peace in this alliance. They only came together to break the Shiv Sena and the NCP. This government is standing on shaky ground, with its leaders constantly at each other?s throats. If cameras were installed inside, you would see a lot more than what?s reported. The infighting has been there from the start," Raut remarked, taking a dig at the ruling coalition.
As the countdown to the elections begins, this spat between Shinde and Pawar has added another layer of intrigue to Maharashtra?s complex political landscape. With the alliance already facing scrutiny from the opposition, the upcoming election could test the unity and resolve of the Maha Yuti like never before.
