Thanda Thanda, Cool Cool: Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar Dismiss Maharashtra Alliance Rift Rumors
Mumbai, March 03, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde put an end to swirling rumors of a rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance on Sunday. Speaking at a joint press conference with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior leader Ajit Pawar by his side, Shinde assured the public that all is well within the coalition. “No matter how hard you try to create breaking news, our alliance is not going to break,” he confidently declared, adding a catchy twist: “Everything is thanda thanda, cool cool between us.”
The statement comes amid growing speculation about tensions between the alliance partners—Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction. Recently, Shinde’s absence from meetings called by Fadnavis fueled rumors that he was unhappy with the BJP for not offering him the Chief Minister’s post. However, his lighthearted remark, “How can there be a Cold War in such scorching heat?” drew smiles from Fadnavis and silenced doubters.
Shinde also reminded everyone of his political strength. Referring to his role in toppling the Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022, he said, “Don’t take me lightly. I’m a Bala Saheb worker who brought the government people wanted.” His words were a subtle warning to critics within and outside the alliance.
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Meanwhile, Fadnavis took a swipe at the opposition for skipping a traditional pre-budget session meeting, known as ‘Chahapan.’ “They boycotted it and sent us a 9-page letter based on newspaper clippings,” he said, mocking their absence ahead of the budget session starting Monday. He promised the opposition ample time to speak in the House, despite their disunity, quipping, “Their situation is ‘Hum aapke hai kaun?’ not ‘Hum Sath Sath hain.’”
The Mahayuti alliance, formed after Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, has faced scrutiny over power-sharing dynamics. Yet, Sunday’s united front showcased its leaders’ determination to dismiss discord rumors. Political analysts suggest this public display of harmony aims to strengthen their position as the budget session looms.
For now, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Pawar seem intent on keeping things “thanda thanda, cool cool” in Maharashtra’s heated political landscape.
