BJP-Sena cold war intensifies; security of 20 Shinde MLAs downgraded
What's the story
The bitter political feud between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has intensified. The home department, headed by Fadnavis, has downgraded the security cover of over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs from the Y+ category to a single constable. Some Sena leaders even lost their security altogether, TOI reported. To keep things balanced, the department later withdrew security from several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) politicians too.
Unresolved posts
Power struggle extends beyond security issues
The power tussle between Fadnavis and Shinde started with unresolved guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik. It has now spilled over to other bastions of control with Shinde recently holding a review meeting of the industries department. This came after Sena's Uday Samant wrote a letter expressing concerns about being kept out of key policy discussions.
Unprecedented move
Shinde asserts role, sets up medical aid cell
Shinde has been aggressively claiming his place by establishing a Deputy CM's Medical Aid Cell in Mantralaya and making his aide its head. The move is unprecedented as it overlaps with the already existing CM's Relief Fund Cell. Shinde was also initially left out of the Maharashtra Disaster Management Authority when Fadnavis was made its head, but rules were later tweaked to include him.
Confirmation
Security cover downgraded for many politicians
Fadnavis confirmed to the Times of India about the reduction in security cover for several politicians. A BJP functionary said, "The threat perception committee took a realistic review of cover for not only politicians but for apolitical people too." Notable figures whose security was withdrawn include state BJP working president Ravindra Chavan and CM's aide Pravin Darekar.
Security details
High-level Z-plus security remains for key figures
Despite these changes, high-level Z-plus security continues for Governor CP Radhkrishanan, Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and both deputy CMs. Other prominent individuals like Aaditya Thackeray have been given Z cover while Raj Thackeray got Y+ with an escort vehicle. Members of the Ambani family still get categorized security on a payment basis along with members of CM's family and other personalities like actors Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan.