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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

Mumbai: The political landscape of Maharashtra is currently witnessing a renewed surge of speculative ripples as whispers of a major leadership overhaul gain significant momentum. Prominent Shiv Sena ministers have begun to openly voice their aspirations regarding a potential restructuring at the highest echelons of the state government. At the heart of this unfolding political drama is the growing chorus demanding the elevation of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the Union Cabinet,...

Shinde in Delhi, speculation in Mumbai

Mumbai: The political landscape of Maharashtra is currently witnessing a renewed surge of speculative ripples as whispers of a major leadership overhaul gain significant momentum. Prominent Shiv Sena ministers have begun to openly voice their aspirations regarding a potential restructuring at the highest echelons of the state government. At the heart of this unfolding political drama is the growing chorus demanding the elevation of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the Union Cabinet, thereby clearing the path for his deputy Eknath Shinde to take over the reins as the next CM. This simmering speculation has been heavily fueled by Shinde’s strategic departure for New Delhi on Monday, where he is expected to camp for the next two days.The immediate catalyst was a bold statement made by Shiv Sena leader Bacchu Kadu, who publicly expressed his earnest desire to see Shinde occupy the CM’s chair once again. Kadu articulated that it is the honest and natural sentiment of every Shiv Sainik to want their own party leader at the helm of the state. He went a step further to explicitly suggest that Fadnavis should be promoted to the central government. However, this assertion was met with immediate resistance from the BJP. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule was quick to issue a stern rebuttal, emphasising the stability of the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He stated that no individual possesses the authority to unilaterally decide that Fadnavis should be relocated to New Delhi. Despite the BJP's attempts to quell the rumors, the sentiment within the Shiv Sena camp remains palpable and vocal. Echoing Kadu's sentiments, Industries Minister Uday Samant weighed in on the controversy, acknowledging that while Kadu’s demand might be presented in a personal capacity, it reflects a deeply natural political instinct. Samant candidly admitted that he, too, shares the ambition of seeing Shinde elevated to the top post. Shinde’s two-day sojourn in the Capital is officially slated for attending the Shiv Sena's national executive meeting and a crucial joint meeting of the NDA scheduled for June 10. However, the timing and context of this trip are being heavily scrutinised in political circles.

Discussions on among allies for govt formation: Ajit Pawar

Updated: Nov 29, 2024

Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar on Monday said discussions were underway among the Mahayuti partners to finalise a formula for the new government formation in the state.


Speaking to reporters at Karad in Satara district, Pawar also acknowledged the contribution of the government's Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, in the Mahayuti's victory in the just-concluded state assembly polls.


The NCP leader also assured that the alliance was working cohesively following its resounding victory in the state assembly elections.


Pawar paid tributes to Maharashtra's first chief minister Yashwantrao Chavan at his memorial in Karad on his death anniversary.


In the state poll results declared on Saturday, the Mahayuti, which comprises the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, bagged an impressive 230 of the 288 assembly seats.


The focus has been on BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is being seen as a strong contender to occupy the top post for the third time, as his party bagged 132 of the 149 seats it contested in the state.


Notably, Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar has said his party legislators feel Eknath Shinde should continue as the chief minister of the state, where the ruling Mahayuti scored a landslide victory in the assembly polls.


Ajit Pawar said, "We will decide what formula to work out on the cabinet formation among the three parties."


Reflecting on the elections, he acknowledged the contribution of the Ladki Bahin scheme in the Mahayuti's win.


"We cannot ignore that Ladki Bahin helped us in this election. We are grateful to them (women voters)," he said.


Defending the scheme, Pawar, who is also the state finance minister, further said, "Had I been opposed to the Ladki Bahin scheme, I would not have presented it in the House. I discussed the scheme with several retired finance officers before finalising it."


Pawar also dismissed concerns raised by some opposition leaders over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), pointing out that polls in states like Punjab, West Bengal and Telangana, governed by their political opponents, have been conducted with the same system.


Commenting on members of same families contesting against each other during the elections, Pawar expressed annoyance over repeated questions on it.


He then asked, "Why was my close nephew fielded? Atram's own daughter was fielded against him, and even Rajendra Shingne faced a similar challenge. I don't want to comment further on this. I have got tired of apologising for fielding my wife against Supriya. Yugendra was in business, then why was he prepared to contest against me?"


In the Baramati assembly seat, Ajit Pawar was pitted against his nephew and NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar.


In Aheri seat, NCP leader Dharamraobaba Atram's daughter Bhagyashree Atram contested against him on NCP (SP) ticket.

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