Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s recent remark, “do not take me lightly,” has raised eyebrows, amid rumors of a “cold war” between him and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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• Eknath Shinde made the remark after receiving a death threat via email, which warned of a bomb in his car.
• Shinde dismissed previous threats, citing instances where he was threatened by Naxalites and others but did not back down.
• In his statement, Shinde emphasized that he is a party worker of Bala Saheb, urging that he should not be underestimated.
• He referred to his role in changing the government in 2022, signaling his political strength and ability to influence major shifts.
• Shinde reminded that his prediction of the BJP’s victory in the 2022 Maharashtra elections was accurate, securing 232 seats.
• He warned those who have taken him lightly in the past to understand the implications, asserting his continued commitment to Maharashtra’s development.
• The remark fueled speculation of tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which has seen disagreements over ministerial posts and separate meetings for various issues.
• The BJP-led three-party coalition had secured a strong win in the 2022 Assembly elections, dominating the Opposition MVA.
• Despite the tensions, Shinde claimed there was no “war” between him and Fadnavis, maintaining that they share a cooperative relationship.
• The situation adds to the ongoing political dynamics in Maharashtra as the ruling coalition navigates internal challenges.