Mumbai witnessed a fresh political controversy over the weekend after full-page newspaper advertisements and giant hoardings across the city projected Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as “Devabhau”, with no mention of his two Deputy Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The move has sparked chatter of growing friction within the Mahayuti alliance.
The campaign arrived just days after the Maratha reservation protests in Mumbai, during which Fadnavis appeared isolated as both Shinde and Pawar kept a visible distance. Against this backdrop, the sudden prominence given only to Fadnavis in expensive publicity material has triggered speculation of a brewing power tussle and competition for credit inside the coalition.
The advertisements, published on Saturday, showed Fadnavis offering flowers to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and participating in Ganesh puja on Anant Chaturdashi. Each carried the slogan “Devabhau” but omitted references to other coalition leaders. While the sponsor of the campaign has not been disclosed, the sheer scale and cost point to substantial backing.
Opposition parties quickly seized the opportunity to attack. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed the exercise cost between ₹40–50 crore in a single day. He alleged the BJP was exploiting Shivaji Maharaj’s image for political gain and raised questions over the source of funds. “What is the purpose of these advertisements? At a time when the state is reeling under farmer suicides and heavy rains, such extravagance is shameful,” Raut said. He went further, daring the RSS to install a portrait or statue of Shivaji Maharaj at its Nagpur headquarters if its reverence was genuine.
Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar added another twist, suggesting the ads may not have been commissioned by the BJP itself. “If my information is correct, a minister from a friendly party gave these advertisements without informing Fadnavis. Who is this minister? Where did crores of rupees come from? Maharashtra deserves answers,” Pawar alleged on social media.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, however, sought to douse the flames. Speaking to reporters in Thane, he dismissed speculation of rivalry. “There is no competition for credit. Whether it is Maratha reservation or OBC rights, we are working as one team under the Mahayuti government. Fadnavisji and I are playing together in our second innings, with the same agenda of development and welfare of the poor,” he asserted.
