Amid talks of Mahayuti ‘cold war’, Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde react

Amid reports of a possible rift in the Mahayuti, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday defended deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s decision to set up a medical aid cell at Mantralaya, saying there is nothing wrong with the initiative as it aims to assist people.

Despite the existence of the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF), Eknath Shinde has set up the medical aid cell and clarified on Monday that there is “absolutely no cold war” with CM Fadnavis.

The newly established medical cell will be headed by Mangesh Chivate, Eknath Shinde’s close aide. The move comes amid ongoing tensions among Mahayuti allies in the state government over various issues, including the appointment of guardian ministers. On Monday, Eknath Shinde said the establishment of the cell is a step forward in their collective efforts to assist citizens. He added that the cell will connect with the Chief Minister's War Room and is intended to enhance service delivery, not to create a competing system.