Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Bharat Gogawale were notably absent from a crucial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, fueling speculation of political unrest within the ruling alliance.
Shinde, Gogawale Miss Crucial Cabinet Meeting
The absence comes against the backdrop of a heated dispute between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP over the post of Guardian Minister of Raigad district. The controversy escalated after the state government issued a circular announcing that Aditi Tatkare would hoist the national flag at the Raigad district headquarters on Independence Day a move widely seen as an indication that she may be given the Guardian Minister portfolio.
Reports suggested that Gogawale, unhappy with the decision, traveled to Delhi along with Alibaug MLA Mahendra Dalvi and DCM Shinde. However, Gogawale dismissed these claims, stating his Delhi visit was due to prior commitments and not political dissatisfaction. Sources, however, maintain that both Shinde and Gogawale are displeased with recent changes in responsibility allocations.
Flag Hoisting Decision Favors Aditi Tatkare
The tussle intensified after both Gogawale and Tatkare staked claim to the Guardian Minister post, prompting CM Fadnavis to temporarily halt the appointment. While the flag hoisting decision has been made in Tatkare’s favor, Gogawale insists that this does not determine the Guardian Minister position.
“Flag hoisting and being Guardian Minister are two different matters. Whatever decision senior leaders take after Independence Day, we will accept. I am 100% firm on my claim to the post,” Gogawale said, adding that it is his desire to serve as Raigad’s Guardian Minister and that he is confident it will be fulfilled.
Opposition Leaders Taunt Shiv Sena Over Raigad Post
Meanwhile, opposition leaders including Aaditya Thackeray, Jeetendra Awhad, and Bhaskar Jadhav mocked Gogawale, sarcastically questioning, “There are three MLAs of Shiv Sena in Raigad district, yet the party still cannot get guardianship of the district — then what happened to the black magic’s effect that Gogawale performed recently?”
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