Amid reports of tensions between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde, the latter has made it clear that there is not “cold war" going on between them.
Refuting claims of tussle within the party, Deputy CM Shinde also took a jibe at the Maha Vikas Aghadi and INDI alliance, saying “there is no cold war" since he is not a part of the Opposition.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “There is no cold war as this is not Maha Vikas Aghadi or INDI alliance. Our war is with the people who are opposing the development of Maharashtra…"
Shinde said they all are working together.
“We are ‘thanda thanda cool cool…," he said jokingly.
The reports of tussle between the two leaders emerged soon after the state assembly elections held last year.
Recently, the state home department held by CM Fadnavis downgraded the security cover for over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs who are not ministers from Y+ category to just one constable. The home department also withdrew cover given to some other Sena netas. This is believed to be the reflection of the growing tensions between the top two leaders in the state.
Simultaneously, the cover provided to a few BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP politicians were also withdrawn, in a balancing act of sorts. However, the number of Sena leaders whose security stands either slashed or withdrawn remains greater that others.