Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly and Congress Leader Vijay Wadetiwar. |Photo courtesy of ANI
The Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra continues to battle discontent in the country, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly upset and leaving his hometown.
Senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, on Monday suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party may no longer need Shinde, sparking speculation and suggesting that, like Wadettiwar, he is a member of the Shinde faction. hinted at the possibility of a new leader emerging. Shinde himself became a household name after parting ways with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.
Congress leaders were reacting to talk in political circles about Shinde’s dissatisfaction with Fadnavis’ appointment as guardian minister.
Book review: Shinde
Sources said Shinde went to his native village in Satara district for a personal visit. However, the deputy chief minister rubbished the claims and said he was in the village as he was on a tour of the district to review the ongoing irrigation project. “I would like to put an end to this speculation…I came to the village while touring the area to review the construction of the irrigation project,” he said.
Wadetiwar said, “Despite the Mahayuti Party winning an overwhelming majority in the parliamentary elections, discord persists within the party.Firstly, there are delays in expanding the cabinet, and secondly, there are disputes over the appointment of the guardian minister.” “And now these appointments have been canceled within 24 hours. This clearly shows that all is not well within the government.”
He further criticized the “instability” and said: Ministers and deputy prime ministers may be replaced tomorrow. If things continue like this, the people will eventually have no choice but to stop this government. The three parties – the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP – are competing over who will get the most benefits, instead of focusing on district development. This led to growing dissatisfaction within the alliance. ”
He also questioned the government’s priorities, citing delays in implementing key commitments such as the Ladki Bahin scheme of Rs 2,100 allowance to women beneficiaries, reduction in the number of beneficiaries, and cuts to farmer loan waivers. He pointed out the failure of the response. “Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government is embroiled in internal conflicts and dragging Maharashtra into chaos,” he claimed.
issued – January 21, 2025 9:08 AM IST
