Just two months after the formation of the grand alliance government in Maharashtra, differences within the alliance have started coming to the fore. There is a tussle between Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP over the names of ministers in-charge of Nashik and Raigarh districts. Shiv Sena expressed strong objection to the government’s decisions, due to which a situation of tension arose between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Controversy over the appointment of ministers in charge
The government had appointed BJP leader Girish Mahajan and NCP leader Aditi Tatkare as ministers in-charge for Nashik and Raigad districts. Shiv Sena expressed strong displeasure on this. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde himself spoke to Devendra Fadnavis over phone on this issue and expressed his dissatisfaction. After this, this decision has been put on hold for the time being. It is believed that this dispute will be resolved only by the end of the week.
Other reasons for Shiv Sena’s displeasure
Shiv Sena leaders say that the resentment is not limited to the appointment of in-charge ministers only. In the last few months, many such decisions have been taken due to which the Shiv Sena faction is feeling uncomfortable.
- Overturning previous decisions:
- The Fadnavis government has reversed many decisions taken by the Eknath Shinde-led government.
- Example: Deepak Kesarkar, the Education Minister of the Shinde government, had decided to form a separate agency for the supply of uniforms for government schools. Reversing this decision, the School Management Committee has now been given the right to purchase dresses.
- Other controversial changes:
- The decision to lease 1,310 buses from private agencies for Maharashtra Road Transport Corporation was cancelled.
- Changes have also been made in the decision of Shinde government to purchase 900 ambulances.
- Shiv Sena leaders say that no opinion was taken while these decisions were reversed.
Crack in alliance relations
Shiv Sena leaders believe that their importance is being diminished under the leadership of BJP.
- Shiv Sena leaders say that these changes are weakening their credibility among the public.
- He alleged that his participation is not being taken in the decisions, due to which the situation of distrust in the alliance is deepening.
- NCP leaders have also expressed disagreement with some decisions but they say that they are not making it public.
Background of election results and government formation
In Maharashtra, BJP had won 132 seats in the House with a majority of 145 seats. Despite this, Eknath Shinde was demanding to become the Chief Minister. This tussle continued after the election results on 23 November until 5 December, when the swearing-in ceremony took place.
Shinde took over the post of Deputy Chief Minister, but relations between BJP and Shiv Sena have not become smooth.
NCP’s proximity to BJP also became a reason
BJP’s growing closeness with NCP remains a matter of concern for the Shiv Sena faction. Ajit Pawar faction has also said that their decisions have also been reversed, but they are not expressing any protest regarding this. On the contrary, Shiv Sena is registering protest on every issue, which is further worsening the relations.
Current situation and way forward
CM Eknath Shinde is currently on a foreign tour and Deputy CM Shinde has gone to his native village Satara. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena workers are protesting in Nashik and Raigarh to strengthen their claim.
Differences in the coalition and disputes over decisions have affected the functioning of the government. It will be important to see how the Grand Alliance deals with these challenges and maintains trust among the allies.
