A deepening rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is currently threatening the existence of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, though BJP leaders in Delhi insist that “all is well”. The Fadnavis government is “stable, and such posturing among allies is natural; all political parties, including those in alliance, are free to have their individual ambitions,” the BJP says.

But is it really so simple?

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The conflict has intensified with Shinde Shiv Sena ministers boycotting a cabinet meeting in protest against the BJP’s alleged poaching of local Sena leaders ahead of key civic polls. A “file war” is also going on with Shinde directing his ministers’ files through him first.

Fueled by ambitions and survival, tensions ar

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