Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has again skipped a meeting called by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid speculation that the Shiv Sena chief is still sulking on being denied the top post and a disagreement over the appointment of guardian ministers.
On Monday, Shinde was not present for the meeting called by Fadnavis to discuss important projects, including one related to his housing department. Shinde was represented by Minister of State (MoS) Yogesh Kadam from the Shiv Sena. Last week, Shinde was also absent in the Cabinet meeting.
The developments have only added grist to the rumour mill that all is not well between the Chief Minister and his deputy. However, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said Shinde did not attend the meeting as one of his family members fell ill.
“Someone was ill in Eknath Shinde’s house, so he did not go. It is wrong to say that there is some resentment. The Uddhav Thackeray camp keeps spreading false propaganda,” Mhaske said.
