Tensions flare as Aurangabad Minister Bhumre, Oppn leader Danve engage in heated exchange

File Photo

Tensions flared between Aurangabad's guardian minister, Sandipan Bhumre and Ambadas Danve, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra's legislative council, during a meeting at the district collector's office on Monday. The disagreement centred around the equitable allocation of funds.

Bhumre, a member of the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, found himself at odds with Danve, a loyalist of Uddhav Thackeray.

The dispute unfolded at a district planning committee meeting, attended by Aurangabad district MLAs, where a video capturing the altercation has since gone viral.

In the video, Danve can be seen demanding transparency in the allocation of funds across different talukas (sub-districts) and asserting that the position of guardian minister isn't a personal "jagir" (inheritance). Bhumre retorted, stating, "Yes, it is our 'jagir' now."

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Danve expressed his concern about the minister's apparent belief that the guardian minister's post is his personal possession. He mentioned that MLAs from the ruling parties - Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP - shared this viewpoint, along with ministers Atul Save and Abdul Sattar.

Danve further alleged that funds intended for irrigation, agriculture, and rural development were being redirected for other purposes, while essential projects in the Aurangabad district were being sidelined.

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Regarding the incident, Danve clarified that he and Bhumre had collaborated previously, which influenced their restrained approach during the confrontation. He implied that the outcome could have been more contentious otherwise.

Danve revealed that certain projects recommended by Kannad MLA Udaysingh Rajput (Shiv Sena-UBT) were not approved, while initiatives suggested by a party worker received the green light.

Bhumre, on the other hand, dismissed the notion of a clash, attributing the situation to a demand for increased funds from the Shiv Sena-UBT leaders. He stated that there was no major altercation.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday said he does not see any other strong leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level today.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar said some people might be criticising him for his decision to join the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, but a man can have a different opinion on the basis of his "experiences".