The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, consisting of the BJP led by Devendra Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP bloc led by Ajit Pawar, has recently faced intense scrutiny over its internal unity. The past month of August 2025 has proven to be politically charged, with repeated absences of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from high-profile meetings chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis raising eyebrows across political circles.

Between August 13 and August 22, Shinde skipped four consecutive cabinet and review meetings where crucial decisions on governance, law and order, and infrastructure development were on the agenda. While his party insists his absences were due to prior commitments, the timing and frequency have led to speculation of cracks within the Mahayuti government.

The Sequence of Absences

The series of missed meetings began on August 13, when Shinde did not attend the state cabinet meeting. Reports linked this absence to discontent within his Shiv Sena faction after Independence Day flag-hoisting honours in districts such as Nashik and Raigad went to leaders from BJP and NCP rather than his own ministers. Shinde’s absence was followed by his non-attendance at a Ganeshotsav law-and-order review meeting, where his presence as Mumbai’s guardian minister was expected.

On August 19, during another cabinet sitting, Shinde was again absent despite being in Mumbai. Instead, he chose to inspect the Mithi river flooding situation, which was seen as a priority but also raised questions about coordination with the Chief Minister’s office. The absence became most notable on August 22, when Fadnavis chaired a critical “war room” review focused on AMRUT 2.0 projects worth ₹9,000 crore. As the portfolio of urban development falls under Shinde, his absence during a review where Fadnavis issued stern warnings on deadlines and delays was striking.

Political Optics and Public Statements

While the BJP and Shiv Sena leadership attempted to downplay the issue, the political optics were difficult to ignore. Shiv Sena spokesperson Arun Sawant defended Shinde, arguing that his absence was linked to his commitment to be on the ground during flood relief efforts. He also pointed out that some ministers had skipped meetings for less urgent reasons, such as traveling abroad for sporting events.

From the BJP’s side, leaders such as Keshav Upadhye dismissed the speculation as media-driven. They maintained that Shinde’s absences were circumstantial, linked to rains, floods, and official travel. Yet, observers noted that politics often depends not just on facts but on perceptions of unity and discipline.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis’s strong stance on deadlines, efficiency, and governance through his reviews gave the impression of a leader tightening administrative control, even as his principal deputy appeared disengaged. His message that “delays will not be tolerated” resonated with urgency, especially since Maharashtra faces looming challenges in urban development and infrastructure projects.

Internal Concerns and Delhi Visits

Reports suggest that during his recent Delhi visits, Shinde conveyed dissatisfaction to the BJP’s central leadership regarding how the Mahayuti government is functioning. He allegedly highlighted concerns about decision-making processes and influence-sharing within the alliance.

The Mahayuti coalition, formed in 2022, is inherently fragile. Built on the cooperation of three powerful but ideologically diverse factions—BJP, Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP—the alliance depends heavily on coordination and trust. Each partner has its own political base and holds significant ministerial portfolios, making equitable power-sharing a sensitive issue.

Opposition’s Opportunity

The Opposition has been quick to seize upon Shinde’s absences, suggesting that the Mahayuti alliance is unstable. For them, the pattern of skipped meetings fits into a narrative of growing cracks in governance. This perception, whether accurate or not, could be politically damaging ahead of elections.

Yet, the ruling parties insist that all is well. BJP leaders argue that governance is on track, and both Fadnavis and Shinde publicly state that their priority remains the people of Maharashtra.

The Road Ahead

The months ahead will be critical. The Ganeshotsav festival, beginning on September 27, will test the government’s law-and-order and civic preparedness. The AMRUT 2.0 projects, with a strict deadline of March 2026, require urgent attention and coordinated action between departments.

Most importantly, Maharashtra is heading into election season, with local body elections and eventually the assembly polls on the horizon. In such a politically charged environment, any signs of division within the ruling coalition can weaken public confidence.

For now, both Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde insist that governance remains their top priority. However, the repeated sequence of absences in August 2025 has created a narrative of possible discontent, whether over protocols, decision-making, or influence-sharing.

The Mahayuti alliance has much at stake, not only in terms of governance outcomes but also in political optics. The coming months will reveal whether the coalition can maintain unity or whether the cracks in Maharashtra’s ruling alliance will deepen under the pressure of governance challenges and electoral battles.

In summary, the story of Fadnavis and Shinde’s absences is more than just about missed meetings—it reflects the delicate balancing act required to sustain the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. With elections approaching, governance deadlines looming, and public perception shaping political fortunes, the alliance must carefully manage both administrative efficiency and coalition dynamics to remain effective.

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