Mumbai: The Maharashtra government, led by the Maha Yuti alliance, is facing mounting tensions over the distribution of guardian minister positions following the recent cabinet expansion.
The controversy surrounding the allocation of these influential roles has become a major challenge for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with intense competition erupting across the state, particularly over the selection of guardian ministers for districts. After the announcement of the new cabinet and portfolio distribution, numerous leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction with the assignments, especially the controversial allocation of guardian ministers. As a result, 11 out of Maharashtra’s 36 districts have witnessed fierce competition, with multiple contenders vying for the prestigious positions.
Maharashtra BJP President Tries To Quell Concerns
State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule has attempted to quell concerns by assuring the public that the issue will be resolved gradually, much like the distribution of cabinet portfolios. His statement sought to assure the public that a resolution would emerge in due course. Within the Maha Yuti, several leaders are staking their claims for the coveted role of guardian minister.
For instance, in Raigad district, Minister Bharat Gogawale is seeking the position, which Aditi Tatkare, the previous guardian minister, is eager to retain. Gogawale, in a bid to shift the leadership, has communicated his aspirations to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and is confident of securing the post this time around. In Beed district, the battle for the guardian minister position is particularly high-stakes, with Cabinet Ministers Dhananjay Munde (NCP) and Pankaja Munde (BJP) vying for the same role. Similarly, Sambhajinagar has seen a heated contest between Shivsena’s Sanjay Shirsat and BJP’s Atul Saave for the post, with Shirsat expressing confidence in his claim and waiting for an official announcement from the leadership.
Thane District Experiences A Fierce Competition
Thane district is also experiencing a fierce competition for the position, with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and BJP Minister Ganesh Naik both staking their claims. Shivsena Minister Pratap Sarnaik has weighed in, advocating for Shinde to retain the position, given his deep familiarity with the district. The race in Nashik is no less intense, with BJP’s Girish Mahajan, Shivsena’s Dada Bhuse, and NCP’s Narhari Zirwal and Manikrao Kokate all vying for the influential post. In Jalgaon, Shivsena’s Gulabrao Patil is in a tussle with Sanjay Sawkare for the guardian minister position. Meanwhile, in Pune, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the incumbent guardian minister, faces a challenge from BJP Minister Chandrakant Patil.
When asked about the ongoing debate, Patil expressed his readiness to follow the leadership’s decision, stating, “I accept whatever order is given by my party and leadership.” Patil further elaborated that the allocation of guardian minister posts is a complex process, especially in districts with large numbers of ministers. He noted that, while cabinet portfolios have already been allocated, the announcement of guardian ministers will follow shortly, addressing the lingering uncertainty.
About The Situation In Yavatmal
In Yavatmal, competition for the guardian minister role has intensified, with BJP’s Ashok Uieke, Shivsena’s Sanjay Rathod, and BJP’s Indraneel Naik all vying for the position. Similarly, in Satara, a crowded field has emerged with Shivsena’s Shambhuraj Desai, BJP’s ShivendraRaje Bhosale, NCP’s Makrand Patil, and BJP’s Jaikumar Gore all hoping to claim the post. Despite Desai’s seniority, the BJP is determined to maintain its influence in the district. Desai, now the newly appointed Tourism Minister, emphasized that the decisions regarding guardian minister appointments would be made by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, in accordance with the resolution passed by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLAs.
The competition in Ratnagiri and Kolhapur is also heating up. In Ratnagiri, Shivsena’s Uday Samant and Yogesh Kadam are both battling for the role, while in Kolhapur, NCP’s Hasan Mushrif and Shivsena’s Prakash Abitkar are aggressively pursuing the position. Amid this political infighting, the allocation of the Home Ministry has also caused significant tension within the Maha Yuti.
Initially, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sought to assume the Home Ministry after stepping down from his CM position, but the BJP did not accommodate this request, causing further discontent. Consequently, the Home Ministry was allocated to BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, while Shinde was given the Urban Development Ministry. Ajit Pawar, on the other hand, retained his role as Finance Minister, continuing to oversee the state’s treasury.
