Fadnavis Vs Shinde? Y+ Security Withdrawn For 20 Sena MLAs In Maharashtra’s Latest Political Twist

Devendra Fadnavis with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar

The Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw Y+ security from 20 Shiv Sena MLAs and downgrade cover for several BJP and Ajit Pawar faction leaders has escalated tensions between CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

The friction between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde intensified Monday as the state home department, led by Fadnavis, downgraded, and in some cases removed, security for over 20 Shiv Sena MLAs allied with Shinde. Their Y+ security cover was reduced to just one constable. In what looks like a move to make it appear more balanced, security cover was also withdrawn for select BJP and Ajit Pawar-led NCP leaders. However, the number of Sena leaders facing security downgrades was far greater those from other parties.

Security arrangements for 44 legislators and 11 Lok Sabha members who joined Shinde in his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 had remained unchanged even after the 2024 elections. However, with the latest decision, all non-minister MLAs from the Shinde camp have had their security cover downgraded, while protection for former MPs has been withdrawn.

Among those who lost security cover are BJP state working president Ravindra Chavan, former BJP minister Suresh Khade, BJP legislator Deorao Holi from Gadchiroli, and NCP’s Pratap Patil Chikhalikar. Independent MLA Ravi Rana and activist Krishna Gajbe also lost their security. Former ministers Dilip Walse Patil (NCP), Deepak Kesarkar, and Ramdas Kadam (both from Shinde’s camp) were among those whose cover was revoked.

Meanwhile, Z-plus security remains intact for Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and the two deputy CMs. Aaditya Thackeray and VHP leader Milind Parande continue to have Z security, while MNS chief Raj Thackeray retains Y+ security with an escort vehicle.

Reports state that the long-undergoing BJP-Sena standoff, which began over the unresolved issue of guardian minister posts for Raigad and Nashik, has now expanded into other domains of governance. According to reports, tensions between the allies have played out in multiple instances. Last month, Shinde skipped a meeting of the Nashik Metropolitan Regional Development Authority called by Fadnavis on the 2027 Kumbh Mela preparations and later held his own review meet. Shinde also established a Deputy CM’s Medical Aid Cell in Mantralaya, appointing a close aide as its head—making it the first time a deputy CM has set up such a body, despite the existing CM’s Relief Fund Cell.