Overview

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde deny reports of a rift, but Shinde's absence from key events and reversed decisions on his projects fuel speculation.
• The opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) aims to exploit the alleged feud and hold the government accountable for rising crime, including recent high-profile incidents involving women’s safety.
• Corruption allegations against ruling alliance ministers, such as Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate's conviction for fraud, have intensified scrutiny on the Mahayuti leadership.
• Criticism grows over the Fadnavis administration's handling of populist schemes, with opposition leaders questioning the decline in development budgets and the shrinking reach of welfare programs.
• The upcoming budget session is expected to be contentious, with opposition parties targeting the government over governance failures and internal discord within the ruling coalition.