Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's X Account Hacked

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s social media account on the platform X (formerly Twitter) was hacked on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Hackers took control of his official handle and briefly posted images of the flags of Pakistan and Turkey. This incident happened on the same day when India and Pakistan were scheduled to play their second match in the Asia Cup cricket tournament. The hacking episode lasted for about 30 to 45 minutes before the account was recovered by the technical team managing the Deputy Chief Minister’s social media presence, with the assistance of the cybercrime police.

The act of posting flags of Pakistan and Turkey created a sensitive scenario given the political and diplomatic relations between India and these countries, especially when the hacking aligned with a major India-Pakistan sporting event. The account was quickly restored, and all unauthorized posts were removed promptly to mitigate any misinformation or political tensions that could arise from the breach.

This hacking case has raised broader concerns about cybersecurity, particularly the security measures protecting high-profile political figures' digital accounts. Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole criticized the state's cyber security framework, demanding that the home department provide clear explanations and stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents. Patole highlighted the implications for ordinary citizens, questioning what online security people can expect if the accounts of senior ministers can be compromised easily. The incident particularly stirred reactions from the younger generation, Gen-Z, who are increasingly vocal about digital safety and privacy.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s team acted swiftly, reporting the incident to cybercrime authorities and recovering the account within less than an hour. The state government is conducting an investigation to understand the breach and to improve its cyber defense systems. This incident comes despite recent government efforts like the 'Golden Data' initiative, which aims to create a centralized and secure database for government information. Still, this breach brought fresh skepticism regarding the robustness of digital protection measures for public officials and government websites.

This event underlines the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks and the need for constant vigilance and enhancement of cybersecurity protocols, especially for political leaders whose online accounts can influence public sentiment and international relations. The incident emphasizes the necessity for governments to adopt stronger technological defenses, alongside raising public awareness about cybersecurity risks. Experts agree that ensuring the online safety of government officials' accounts can act as a benchmark for improving digital security measures for the general public as well.

In conclusion, the hacking of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s X handle is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital security even at the highest levels of governance. While the prompt recovery of the account prevented potential escalations, the episode has spotlighted the urgent need for enhancing cybersecurity frameworks. The state authorities face increased pressure to address these challenges transparently and effectively, ensuring public confidence not only in the protection of political figures' digital identities but also in the security of citizens’ personal data.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies