04 October,2023 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra Jore
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and (left) Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis skipped their scheduled events and meetings for the visit. File pic
Whispers of resentment in certain sections of the tripartite Maharashtra government gained momentum on Tuesday after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis left for New Delhi in the afternoon, skipping their scheduled events and meetings.
The grapevine further said all was not well on the day the Cabinet met in the absence of Dy CM Ajit Pawar. Later, Shinde clarified that Pawar skipped because of illness. Sources said the Dy CM had a throat infection, because of which he could not even participate online. Pawar met his Cabinet colleagues later in the evening. However, a group of NCP ministers did meet Fadnavis before the Cabinet meeting began. Earlier, Pawar had skipped the major events that were attended by the BJP high command in Mumbai. He did not even go to the CM's residence for the Ganesh darshan.
The photogallery here
It is said that Pawar has not been happy because of the delayed appointments of district guardian ministers and the Cabinet expansion. None of his colleagues have been given charge of districts. The Dy CM is adamant on having some specific districts such as Pune, Satara and Raigad. Sources said the Cabinet expansion formula could also be one of the reasons for the resentment.
There is talk of growing resentment in the Shinde team against Pawar's rising interference. Some BJP ministers also have similar complaints. The BJP seems to be aware of the unrest and feels unaffected by it. Before leaving for Delhi on Tuesday, Fadnavis urged his party leaders and workers to be ready for the sacrifice of partners, saying they were the BJP's responsibility. He was speaking at the party's conclave at its Dadar office.
