Maharashtra Politics: Ajit Pawar Secures Finance Portfolio Despite Opposition
In a surprising turn of events, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has managed to secure the politically significant finance and cooperation portfolios in Maharashtra, despite opposition from within his own camp and the Shiv Sena. This move comes after Pawar, who had previously defected from his uncle Sharad Pawar’s party and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government, held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convince him of his party’s rightful control over these important departments.
The negotiations over ministry allocation between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP lasted for 12 days before Pawar’s intervention. The BJP appears to have incurred the greatest loss as various ministries, including finance and cooperation, have now shifted from their control to the NCP. Notably, the cooperation portfolio was given to Dilip Walse-Patil, a trusted ally of Ajit Pawar who has also served as Sharad Pawar’s personal assistant for several years.
While the NCP ministers went without portfolios for some time, they have managed to secure a significant share of power through tough negotiations. However, the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, is reportedly dissatisfied with the ministry allocations, particularly the decision to give the finance portfolio to Ajit Pawar. Despite this opposition, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has entrusted Pawar with the responsibilities of finance and planning.
The BJP’s central leadership, for the second time, has appeared to sacrifice the interests of its Maharashtra unit to accommodate its allies. Previously, when Eknath Shinde split from Uddhav Thackeray and joined forces with the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, it was expected that Fadnavis would become the Chief Minister. However, to the surprise of many, Shinde was given the CM position. Although Fadnavis expressed his disappointment, the BJP central leadership announced that he would indeed join the government.
In the recent portfolio reshuffle, the NCP has gained control over key ministries, while some Shiv Sena ministers have been demoted. Two Shiv Sena ministers, Sanjay Rathod and Abdul Sattar, have lost their crucial portfolios and have been assigned less prominent ministries. They have been given a warning to improve their performance or potentially face removal from the cabinet. Additionally, the BJP’s Atul Save, who faced corruption allegations, has lost the Cooperation Ministry to the NCP’s Dilip Walse-Patil.
Overall, the NCP has managed to secure a significant share of power in Maharashtra through tough negotiations. While there is opposition from within the Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar’s appointment as the Finance Minister has defied expectations. The allocation of ministries has brought about a shift in power dynamics, with the NCP gaining control over key departments, leaving the BJP with significant losses.
