As the rift between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appears to be widening, Shinde, in a significant move, visited Nashik on Friday to review preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, just days after skipping a similar review meeting called by Fadnavis.
Notably, BJP leader Girish Mahajan, whose role as the guardian minister of Nashik district was recently put on hold due to Shinde, also did not attend the meeting.
Adding to the tension, Shinde has established a 'coordination room' in the state secretariat, akin to the CM’s war room. This new unit will monitor ongoing work across various departments and track the current status of key projects. Political analysts see this as another strategic move by Shinde, possibly aimed at countering Fadnavis's influence.
During his visit to Nashik, Shinde addressed the media, stating, “I have reviewed the short-term, mid-term and long-term preparations for the Kumbh Mela. I also spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting his support for Maharashtra's arrangements. Our team of officials will visit Prayagraj on February 18 and 19 to study the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela and gather insights on managing the influx of devotees.”
