The Mahayuti government is set to begin a four-week budgetary Assembly session on Monday. However, the opposition is ready to challenge the government on several key issues, including the resignations of Dhananjay Munde and Manikrao Kokate, the removal of ineligible beneficiaries from the Ladki Bahin scheme, farmer loan waivers, MSP for soybeans and the worsening law and order situation in the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday scoffed at speculations of a 'cold war' between him and his deputy Eknath Shinde, and mocked Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, quipping he wants to compete with Salim-Javed, the legendary screenwriting duo.

He was addressing a press conference with deputies Shinde and Ajit Pawar after a cabinet meeting and customary tea party ahead of the four-week budget session of the assembly, which begins on Monday.

“There is no war. Those who know both of us will remember what we do when we are together,” said Fadnavis.

While Fadnavis maintained that all partners of ruling Mahayuti - BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP - are working unitedly, Shinde chipped in, “Everything is thanda thanda, cool cool.”

“It is just that Fadnavis and I have swapped our chairs. Only Ajit Pawar's chair is fixed,” said Shinde, who was the CM before the assembly elections with Fadnavis and Pawar as his deputies then.

Pawar came up with the repartee, “What can I do if you couldn't keep your chair,” sending all three into peals of laughter.

While addressing the media, Fadnavis stated that opposition parties have been constantly alleging a lack of discussions and dialogue between the government and the opposition. However, he pointed out that they chose to skip the tea party organised by the government, where such discussions could have taken place.

During the tea party, Fadnavis assured that the state government is committed to presenting a balanced and progressive budget. He emphasised that financial discipline will be maintained without cutting capital expenditure or discontinuing flagship schemes. Several ministers, including Chandrakant Patil, Girish Mahajan, Shambhuraj Desai, Nitesh Rane, Atul Save, Jaykumar Rawal, Pratap Sarnaik, and Ashok Uike, attended the tea party.

Addressing recent reports about an alleged suspended health department file, Fadnavis clarified that no such file has reached his office. He also highlighted that Maharashtra has achieved its highest-ever soybean procurement this year, ten times more than previous years, leading to storage capacity challenges. Reaffirming the government’s stance, Fadnavis warned that any derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would not be tolerated.

Munde attends meeting

NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde was present at the tea party hosted by the government on Sunday evening. However, Ajit Pawar notably avoided interacting with Munde. Pawar was seen engaging with other ministers before quietly leaving the event.