Eknath Shinde admits strain in ties with Devendra Fadnavis
What's the story
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has acknowledged a strain in relations with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The admission comes amid speculation of "friendly fights" within the ruling alliance in the state. However, both leaders have maintained that local body elections should focus on grassroots issues and the work of party workers. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, "Yes, it's true that I made allegations against the CM, and he also made allegations against me."
Tensions revealed
Shinde acknowledges recent exchange of allegations
"But you need to understand that these elections are local elections, which are fought on very local issues and by local party workers. Big political issues do not need to be brought up. Workers like to see their senior leadership join them in election campaigns," he said. He stressed that these tensions are just by-products of localized contests and shouldn't be mistaken for a breakdown in the alliance.
Election focus
Fadnavis downplays 'friendly fights,' emphasizes local issues
On his part, Fadnavis downplayed the "friendly fights," saying he hasn't made comments against any party during the campaign. "These are local body elections where our workers contest and work the hardest," Fadnavis said. "It is our responsibility to come and support them. I have not made comments against anyone, not even opponents. I only campaign in support of our candidates." He stressed that local issues and development priorities should dominate the narrative of these elections.
Election delay
Maharashtra's local body elections postponed
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has postponed elections for several municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Pune district due to delays in court verdicts. The affected councils, including Baramati, Fursungi-Uruli Devachi, Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavala, Daund and Saswad, will now vote on December 20. Other municipal bodies in Maharashtra will vote on Tuesday in one of its most significant grassroots polls, covering 242 councils and 46 nagar panchayats.
Election details
Over 1 crore voters eligible for Maharashtra polls
The elections will decide the fate of 6,859 members and 288 council presidents. Over 1.07 crore voters are eligible to vote at 13,355 polling stations across the state. The results will be a key indicator of political sentiment after the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in November 2024 assembly elections. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.