For the second time in as many months, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has extended praise to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This time, the commendation comes for Fadnavis’s refusal to approve certain “undesirable” names proposed by ministers for the appointment of Personal Assistants (PAs) and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs).
*Raut’s Praise for Fadnavis*
“Political differences aside, I must congratulate the CM, the head of the state administration, for his decision to prevent certain individuals from being appointed as PAs and OSDs. He has taken a tough decision in the larger interest of the state, and we support him,” stated Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member, during a press briefing in Mumbai.
*Tensions with NCP Leader Manikrao Kokate*
The issue surfaced after state Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, expressed his dissatisfaction over the rejection of his preferred OSD candidate.
Responding to the matter, Chief Minister Fadnavis clarified, “Kokate may not be aware that the authority to appoint PS and OSD lies with the CM. Ministers submit their proposals to the CM, who makes the final decision. This is not a new practice. I had explicitly mentioned in the cabinet that while ministers can submit their preferred names, I will not approve those with allegations against them. To date, I have received 125 names and approved 109. The remaining names were not cleared due to their involvement in wrongdoings. There are perceptions within the ministry that some individuals act as fixers. Despite any discontent, I will not approve such individuals.”
*Rejected Names Predominantly from Shinde’s Camp*
Raut further revealed that the majority of the rejected names were associated with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction. “I have 16 names that were rejected—13 from Shinde Sena and the rest from Ajit Pawar’s NCP,” Raut noted.
*Previous Praise for Fadnavis*
This marks the second occasion where Raut has lauded Fadnavis. Previously, Raut commended Fadnavis when he, also serving as the state’s Home Minister, spent New Year’s Day in the Naxalite-affected Gadchiroli district to launch several projects.
*Maharashtra Farmers to Benefit from State-Run Scheme*
In related news, Chief Minister Fadnavis announced an additional Rs 3,000 for Maharashtra farmers under a state-run scheme, further highlighting his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s agricultural community.
