Maharashtra BJP MLA's swipe at Eknath Shinde: ‘Won political lottery’

In July, Ganesh Naik had alleged that outsiders were exploiting Navi Mumbai’s resources, without naming Eknath Shinde, the guardian minister of Thane district.

Published on: Aug 17, 2025, 18:43:56 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Maharashtra forest minister and BJP MLA Ganesh Naik has said that Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde had won a “lottery”, apparently referring to his appointment as chief minister in 2022.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde during the inauguration of the final 76-km-long stretch of the Samruddhi Mahamarg in Nashik district of Maharashtra on June 5. (PTI)

"Eknath Shinde (current deputy CM) had won a lottery. Not everyone has to win the lottery, but Shinde won it. However, what matters is how a person achieves a position and retains it, and common people observe this," Naik said at a bhoomi pujan ceremony on Friday, according to PTI.

This is not the first time Naik has targeted Shinde. In July, Naik had alleged that outsiders were exploiting Navi Mumbai’s resources, without naming Shinde, the guardian minister of Thane district.

According to PTI, Shiv Sena had hit back by accusing Naik of trying to deflect attention from his own long-standing hold over the city’s affairs.

Shinde toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in June 2022 and became the chief minister.

Also Read | ‘File War’: Proposals stuck as Shinde-Fadnavis turf war intensifies

However, in 2024, he had to make way for Devendra Fadnavis after the BJP won a maximum number of seats in the assembly elections and settle for the post of deputy chief ministership.

Earlier this week, Shinde had skipped a Maharashtra cabinet meeting on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that he continues to be upset with the Devendra Fadnavis-led government.

While Shiv Sena leaders downplayed the matter, saying Shinde had extended his stay in Srinagar, where he had gone for a blood donation campaign organised on Sunday by party functionary Chandrahar Patil, opposition parties alleged the deputy chief minister skipped the cabinet meeting due to disagreements within the Mahayuti government.

HT reported in February that Shinde had skipped two meetings chaired by chief minister Fadnavis concerning the urban development department, which is headed by the Shiv Sena chief. Back then, Shinde was reportedly upset with Fadnavis for several reasons, including being denied the chief minister’s post in Mahayuti 3.0. Since then, the senior BJP leader had seized every opportunity to assert his authority over the Shiv Sena chief.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.