Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday brushed aside rumors of a “cold war” with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, asserting unity within the ruling Mahayuti coalition ahead of the four-week budget session starting Monday. At a press conference with Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar following a cabinet meeting, Fadnavis took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, saying, “Raut wants to compete with Salim-Javed,” the iconic screenwriting duo, over his flair for dramatic narratives.

“There is no war. Those who know both of us will remember what we do when we are together,” Fadnavis said, referencing their pre-2022 alliance before Shinde’s rebellion toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Shinde, now leading Shiv Sena, added, “Everything is thanda thanda, cool cool,” dismissing tension reports. Pawar chimed in with a quip: “What can I do if you couldn’t keep your chair,” sparking laughter among the trio, a nod to Shinde and Fadnavis swapping roles post-elections while Pawar’s seat stayed put.

Fadnavis refuted Raut’s Saamana column alleging Shinde met Union Minister Amit Shah at 4 AM in Pune to complain about him. “I have not stayed any decision taken by Shinde,” he clarified, with Shinde noting it was a 10 AM courtesy call Shah made as an NDA leader, attended by Fadnavis too. Shinde jabbed at Raut, claiming a “chemical locha (imbalance)” fueled his tale.

The session, featuring a March 10 budget, will introduce five bills and host debates on women’s empowerment and the Constitution. Fadnavis promised a balanced budget, record soybean procurement, and no cuts to schemes like Ladki Bahin for eligible beneficiaries. He criticized the opposition’s tea party boycott, mocking their nine-page letter as flimsy, while vowing transparency and action on issues like Raksha Khadse’s daughter’s harassment.