India, Dec. 1 -- Amid rising chatter over 'friendly fights' within the ruling alliance in Maharashtra, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Monday openly acknowledged a strain with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, even as both leaders insisted that Maharashtra local body elections must remain centred on grassroots issues and the work of party workers.

Shinde admitted to a recent exchange of allegations between the two top leaders but dismissed the tensions as by-products of highly localised contests.

"Yes, it's true that I made allegations against the CM, and he also made allegations against me," Shinde told reporters on Monday. "But you need to understand that these elections are local elections, which are fought on very local issue...