India, Feb. 10 -- The exclusion of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sparked political controversy, with many seeing it as a sign of growing tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The restructured SDMA, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, includes Deputy CM Ajit Pawar but has left out Shinde, despite his crucial role as head of the urban development department, which is central to disaster response efforts.

The SDMA, formed after the 2005 Mumbai floods, is responsible for coordinating emergency responses, making Shinde's omission particularly noteworthy. Political analysts suggest this move reflects a power struggle between Fadnavis and Shinde, with the BJP...