Will Fadnavis Take Action Against Cabinet Colleagues Over Controversies?

Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday cautioned the council of ministers against forcing him into taking action due to their continuous involvement in controversies that tarnish the government’s reputation and provide ammunition to the opposition and critics.

Following a cabinet meeting, the CM addressed his ministerial colleagues, urging them to refrain from engaging with the press and media, and to concentrate on their departmental responsibilities. He emphasized that if their names surface in any contentious matter, they should seek clarification without igniting further disputes.

This interaction, lasting thirty minutes, was prompted by several ministers making headlines for their controversial actions. Ministers such as Manikrao Kokate (Agriculture), Sanjay Shirsat (Social Justice), Dadaji Bhuse (School Education), and Yogesh Kadam (Minister of State for Home) were under scrutiny for various issues.

A senior minister from MahaYuti remarked, “The CM instructed all cabinet ministers to steer clear of controversies. He insisted that they should provide clarification if their names emerge in any issue. His message was emphatic: if ministers continue to instigate controversies, he would have no choice but to take action.”

Fadnavis further highlighted that ministers should reduce their public speaking and increase their work output. He pointed out that ongoing controversies overshadow the government's positive initiatives and accomplishments.

This warning follows a significant embarrassment for the government after a video of Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate playing rummy in the state council went viral. Following calls for his resignation from opposition and farmers' groups, he created further controversy by stating that the government is the beggar, not the farmers. He has since received reprimands from both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Additionally, the opposition leader in the state council, Ambadas Danve, raised concerns over a tender awarded to the son of Minister Sanjay Shirsat in Sambhajinagar, despite the lack of necessary qualifications. Although the minister’s son has withdrawn from the tendering process, CM Fadnavis announced a high-level investigation. Moreover, a video of Minister Shirsat with a bag full of cash further fueled calls for his resignation.

Minister Dadaji Bhuse is currently facing opposition scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process within his department.

In a similar vein, the ruling establishment faced discomfort after Anil Parab, a Shiv Sena legislator, accused Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam of involvement in illegal sand trading and dance bar raids. This prompted the CM to declare that he would take further action if any truth emerged from these allegations, while Kadam asserted outside the House that he would demonstrate the claims’ falsehood at an appropriate time.

Minister of Soil and Water Conservation Sanjay Rathod has also stirred controversy over recruitment and postings within his department.

Kadam’s name has joined a growing list of ministers and legislators from Shiv Sena, including Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod, and Sanjay Gaikwad, who have encountered controversies during this monsoon legislative session.

Ironically, the discord among the supporters of these legislators has overshadowed what could have been a more productive monsoon session, potentially enhancing the prestige of the state legislature as a key institution nationally.