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Maharashtra Politics: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Absence From Key Meetings Held By Devendra Fadnavis Raises Speculations Of Rift In Mahayuti

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Mumbai: Since the formation of the Mahayuti government in December 2024, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appeared dissatisfied. His discontent stems from several factors. Initially, the Shiv Sena leader sought the Home Department, but this was denied by the BJP. Then his MLAs, Bharat Gogawale and Dada Bhuse, were not given the guardianship of Raigad and Nashik districts.

Another source of his dismay was Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ decision to review all decisions taken during his tenure as CM. Many of Shinde’s schemes were put on hold, and Fadnavis reportedly kept files from Shinde’s ministers pending. In addition, Sena leader Uday Samant’s department faced friction as bureaucrats started making decisions without consulting him.

In response, the deputy chief minister began avoiding meetings convened by Fadnavis, only to later hold separate meetings with the same departments. For example, last week Shinde reviewed preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Nashik, even though the CM had already done so two weeks previously. Similarly, Shinde held a meeting with the Industries Department just three days ago, despite Fadnavis having already conducted a review earlier.

Shinde also skipped a review meeting of the Urban Development Department and budget-related discussions for Mumbai and Thane, which Fadnavis had called. Later, Shinde organised a separate review meeting on Urban Development issues. Shinde’s exclusion from the State Disaster Management Committee caused further discontent. However, after he expressed dissatisfaction, the rules were adjusted to include him in the committee.

Shinde was irked when BJP leader and Guardian Minister of Palghar, Ganesh Naik, announced a public meeting in Thane, the Shiv Sena leader’s bastion. Shinde has also preferred working from the Sahyadri Guest House and his official residence rather than Mantralaya, attending the state secretariat only once a week for Cabinet meetings. His focus has largely been on strengthening the organisational structure of the Shiv Sena. He has been organising ‘Abhar Sabhas’ (gratitude rallies) across the state, with recent rallies held in Thane, Nashik and Ratnagiri.

Moreover, Shinde also directed his party workers to prepare for local body elections. He directed party office bearers to bring 5,000 voters in every electoral ward of BMC to win the civic body election. The deputy CM successfully managed to pull former Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs and office bearers into his fold before they were inducted into the BJP.

For instance, Rajapur UBT leader Rajan Salvi, who was reportedly in talks with the BJP, was brought into the Shiv Sena before the BJP could act. Shinde also helped resolve local disputes between Uday Samant and Salvi. In another move to counter Fadnavis, Shinde launched the Deputy Chief Minister Relief Fund and Medical Aid Centre, offering support to the poor and needy.

This initiative is similar to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Medical Assistance Cell, which further highlights Shinde’s growing influence and parallel activities within the government.

Maharashtra

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

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Mumbai: 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.”

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Bollywood

Yo Yo Honey Singh Millionaire Mumbai Tour: Check Out Dates, Venue, How To Book Tickets Online & More

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Mumbai: Rapper Honey Singh is set to start the ‘Millionaire India Tour,’ which begins in Mumbai. The concert is set for Saturday, February 22, in Nesco Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.

Honey Singh Who has given hit songs and albums like Brown Rang, Love Dose, etc, has always been a choice of the Gen Z generation. The rapper shared with India today that, “Tomorrow, we are performing for the first time not the first time, but the first show of the Millionaire India Tour, and we are excited. Let’s do it!”

The artist, known for his energetic performances, shared with the media that he’s “rehearsing for the show” for the first time, marking a new era in his performances. He explained that the “Stage Aajtak” show is “meticulously directed and choreographed,” featuring a six-piece live band, new visuals, and a fresh sound.

Singh said, “I have been performing for more than 15 years now, but this time, it’s a wholly directed and choreographed show.” He added, “For the first time in my life, I have to rehearse before the show.” As the ‘Millionaire India Tour’ begins, fans can expect “something very new and very different.”

About Concert Tickets and Venue

The concert will be held at Nesco Pvt Ltd in Mumbai, and tickets start at around ₹3,500. As part of his much-awaited tour, Honey Singh will be playing in ten Indian cities.

How to Book Tickets

From the given link of District by Zomato, fans can book tickets. His ‘Millionaire India Tour’ trip starts in Mumbai on February 22 and continues to Lucknow on February 28, Delhi on March 1, Indore on March 8, Pune on March 14, Ahmedabad on March 15, Bengaluru on March 22, Chandigarh on March 23, Jaipur on March 29, and Kolkata on April 5.

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Maharashtra

‘Tremor Man’: Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray Says He Is Like Japan Amid Party Defections

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Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has sharply criticized the ongoing defections within his party, decrying the political instability that now plagues its ranks. Addressing his supporters, Thackeray compared the situation to the frequent tremors felt in Japan.

“Nowadays, the country’s situation is like Japan. The Japanese are surprised if they don’t feel tremors regularly. Now, I am experiencing tremors every day,” he said. Dubbed “Tremor Man,” Thackeray vowed to strike back at the ruling parties. “Let’s see how many tremors they give me, but we will deliver such a massive tremor that they won’t appear again,” he declared.

His remarks come amid a wave of political turbulence following several defections to the ruling alliance—a crisis Thackeray is determined to overcome in his bid for a strong comeback. He also lashed out at both the BJP and Shinde’s faction, stressing, “We are fighting this battle with the strong support of loyal Shiv Sainiks.

This is not just my fight but ours together.” Evoking the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Thackeray encouraged party members to watch the film Chhava, which portrays the revered leader’s struggles. “Many leave the theatre in tears, but I urge you to open your eyes and grasp the message,” he remarked.

Accusing the ruling alliance of trying to dismantle the Shiv Sena from its roots, he added, “They are using our own people as tools to weaken us— just like taking wood from a tree to fashion an axe that ultimately cuts it down.” Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Thackeray directed party workers to reinforce their organizational efforts. “These are crucial days for strengthening our ranks.

With the court’s imminent decision on whether the Mumbai municipal corporation will have 227 or 236 seats, and with elections likely in April or May, every branch must verify voter lists and register new members in large numbers,” he instructed. Addressing previous electoral setbacks, Thackeray acknowledged past mistakes but vowed they would not be repeated, signaling a renewed determination to reclaim lost ground.

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