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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Deepening BJP-Sena rift exposed

Mumbai: Corridors of power in Maharashtra are witnessing a growing sense of unease. Stern and quick disciplinary actions against senior bureaucrats are rare in state administration. The recent suspension of a senior IAS officer for failing to brief a minister during an ongoing assembly session has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy. It has also laid bare the intense power struggle between ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The controversy erupted when presiding officer...

Deepening BJP-Sena rift exposed

Mumbai: Corridors of power in Maharashtra are witnessing a growing sense of unease. Stern and quick disciplinary actions against senior bureaucrats are rare in state administration. The recent suspension of a senior IAS officer for failing to brief a minister during an ongoing assembly session has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy. It has also laid bare the intense power struggle between ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The controversy erupted when presiding officer Dilip Lande ordered immediate suspension of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Member Secretary M. Devendar Singh and Joint Director Satish Padwal. It is an unwritten parliamentary convention that presiding officers refrain from directing such severe administrative actions directly from the chair. However, the environment department acted with unprecedented speed. Sources indicate that the file implementing these suspension orders has already reached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office. Babus Baffled This swift administrative compliance has caused a significant flutter among top officials. Many bureaucrats feel the Fadnavis administration is setting a dangerous precedent. Others quietly admit that the officers simply became collateral damage in a fierce political crossfire. The root of this administrative crisis lies in the fraught relationship between two key political figures. The environment department is headed by BJP Minister Pankaja Munde. Meanwhile, the MPCB is chaired by Shiv Sena leader Siddhesh Kadam. The two leaders reportedly do not see eye to eye. M. Devendar Singh, the suspended IAS officer, is widely considered to be close to senior Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Rathod. During his earlier tenure as the district collector of Ratnagiri, Singh also developed close ties with powerful Sena minister Uday Samant. Bureaucratic circles suggest that Singh was appointed as the MPCB member secretary last year primarily due to strong recommendations from Samant and Sanjay Rathod. Against this backdrop, the political rivalry between Munde and Kadam reached a boiling point. According to an MPCB insider, Kadam allegedly issued oral instructions to board officials ordering them not to share any information with minister Munde or her office without his prior consent. Caught between a hostile chairman and an inquiring minister, officers naturally shied away from providing crucial briefings. Sensing this deliberate blockade of information, frustrated Munde spilled the beans on the floor of the House. She admitted her inability to answer legislators’ questions due to non-cooperative officials. The issue quickly escalated, likely beyond the minister’s own imagination. The presiding officer intervened, and the bureaucrats ultimately bore the brunt of the political dysfunction. Top officials now privately acknowledge that this entire episode is a direct outcome of the shifting power dynamics between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. This incident is not an isolated case of administrative cracking of the whip. Recently, the government initiated strict disciplinary action against an assistant charity commissioner in Gondia simply for participating in a lucky draw without prior permission from her superiors. Together, these incidents are sending a chilling message down the administrative spine. While the government attempts to project an image of strict discipline and accountability, the bureaucracy is increasingly feeling the heat of coalition politics. Officials are now acutely aware that navigating the fragile egos of alliance partners is just as critical as their administrative duties.

From Holiday Breaks to a Holiday Life

As the holiday season draws to a close and the new year approaches, many of us are reflecting on the year gone by and planning for the year ahead. It is a time filled with joy, celebration, and thoughtful giving.


But have you ever wondered why we need to escape from work to truly enjoy ourselves? Why can’t every day feel like a holiday season?


Well, it can. The secret lies in gifting your future self through investing.


One gift that keeps on giving, whether you are celebrating, partying, traveling, or simply relaxing, is the power of money working for you. The beauty of investing is that, even during the holiday season, your investments can continue growing quietly in the background, ready to deliver rewards in the future.


As we welcome the new year, it is the perfect time to think about how to make your money work harder for you in 2026. Strategic investing allows your wealth to grow even while you take time off. The key, of course, is to invest sufficiently and wisely, ensuring that your money compounds while you enjoy life’s festivities.


Investing is a habit

Investing isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or financial experts. It is for anyone who wants to build a secure financial future. Saving and investing are habits. Start small if you need to, but start. Be consistent, invest sufficiently and frequently, and stay invested.


More importantly, make sure your investments align with your financial goals, are invested in inflation-beating assets and always make informed decisions.


Twenty years is enough

The ultimate goal? Achieve financial freedom in two decades of investing. For those first 20 years, you will look forward to holiday seasons as a time to relax, celebrate, and rejuvenate. But after 20 years of smart, consistent investing, your whole year should become your holiday season.


Take Action Now

As the new year approaches, it is a great time to reassess your financial plans and set new goals. Whether you are just starting or looking to refine your portfolio, now is the perfect time to position your money for growth in 2026. Consider it a gift to your future self - a way to ensure long-term success.


So, as you celebrate the season and look ahead to new beginnings, remember: with smart investing, your holiday season does not have to be limited to just a few weeks. Here’s to a year of financial growth and endless possibilities!


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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