The internal differences within Maharashtra’s three-party Mahayuti government seem to be widening, with Industries Minister Uday Samant expressing strong displeasure over being allegedly sidelined from key decision-making in his own department.
Samant, a senior Shiv Sena leader and a close aide of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has raised serious concerns regarding his exclusion from crucial discussions related to the Industries Department. In a letter addressed to Industries Department Secretary Dr. P Anbalagan and MIDC Chief Executive Officer P Velrasu, Samant asserted that he should not be left out of the decision-making process.
Letter Sparks Controversy
The letter, written on February 4, surfaced on social media on Monday, reigniting discussions over internal power struggles in the Mahayuti alliance. Through this communication, Samant directed top officials to keep him informed about key files and decision-making processes. He also alleged that certain infrastructure projects approved by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) had been halted and demanded their immediate resumption, with files being submitted for his approval.
Growing Discontent Among Shinde Sena Ministers?
Samant’s discontent is the latest in a series of disagreements within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The list of unresolved issues continues to grow, beginning with the delayed appointment of district guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad, which has been pending for over 20 days.
Recently, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, also from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, distanced himself from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fare hike, stating that he was unaware of the decision. Adding to the tension, the appointment of senior IAS officer Sanjay Sethi as MSRTC chairman—a post typically reserved for a political appointee—raised eyebrows within the party.
CM Shinde’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
Further fueling speculation, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde skipped a crucial meeting chaired by Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis last week. On Monday, he also requested the postponement of another important meeting chaired by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar at Mantralaya to discuss Mumbai’s annual development plan.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, which provides financial assistance to senior citizens for pilgrimages, is facing a fund crunch and may be discontinued soon.
Adding to the turmoil, Shinde was notably absent from the recently formed State Disaster Management Authority, which is led by Fadnavis. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar secured a position in the authority, but Shinde’s exclusion has fueled speculation of growing cracks within Mahayuti.
Power Struggle Over Bureaucratic Control?
As per reports, Samant is eager to assert his authority over land allotment issues within the Industries Department. He is reportedly pushing to have a direct say in matters that are currently handled at the bureaucratic level, as per government rules.
