“Thanda Thanda, Cool Cool” Eknath Shinde Dismisses Cold War Rumors with Devendra Fadnavis
If you’ve been keeping up with Maharashtra politics, you might have heard rumors of a rift between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. But on February 18, 2025, Shinde put those whispers to rest with a witty and reassuring statement that’s now trending everywhere. Speaking to the media, he 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.” Then, with a smile, he added, “We are ‘thanda thanda cool cool’…”—a phrase that’s both catchy and a clear sign of unity.
Shinde’s remarks came in response to reports suggesting tension within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes his Shiv Sena faction, the BJP led by Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Some speculated that Shinde was frustrated over issues like guardian minister appointments or the recent security downgrades for over 20 Shinde Sena MLAs by the Maharashtra Home Department, which is under Fadnavis’s control. But Shinde was quick to deny any internal strife, emphasizing that he and Fadnavis are working together smoothly.
He also addressed the launch of a new Medical Aid Cell at Mantralaya, which some saw as a parallel system to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Shinde clarified that this cell, headed by his close aide Mangesh Chivate, isn’t meant to compete but to complement existing efforts. “It will coordinate with the public health department and help poor and needy patients through health schemes and social organizations,” he explained. Chief Minister Fadnavis supported this move, saying there’s nothing wrong with initiatives that benefit people.
Shinde also took a swipe at the opposition, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi and INDI alliance, suggesting their alliances are the ones facing real conflicts. He stressed that his focus, and that of the Mahayuti government, is on development, not power struggles. This unity message is crucial as the state gears up for upcoming civic polls and continues to tackle infrastructure and welfare projects.
For those of us following Maharashtra politics, this “thanda thanda cool cool” moment is a relief. It shows that despite the usual political drama, Shinde and Fadnavis are committed to working as a team. Posts on X and trending discussions online show that people are curious about whether this unity will hold, especially with elections on the horizon. But for now, Shinde’s lighthearted confidence seems to have won over many supporters.
