Ahead of Diwali 2023, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's unexpected trip to Delhi sent ripples through the political landscape of Maharashtra. Just days after announcing his temporary withdrawal from public events due to his recovery from dengue, the Deputy Chief Minister made an impromptu visit to the nation's capital. His visit to meet Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, has raised questions and speculation about its significance.
Cabinet Expansion and More
Sources within Ajit Pawar's camp revealed that this meeting had been on the agenda for over two weeks but had to be postponed when the leader fell ill. One of the key topics discussed during their meeting was the long-pending cabinet expansion, a matter of concern that has lingered for several months. Indian Express quoted a leader from the Ajit-led faction who stated, "The most important matter discussed was the cabinet expansion, which has been pending for months."
Maratha Reservation and OBC Discontent
Beyond the internal political dynamics, the BJP leadership is closely monitoring the developments within the state. The ongoing agitation over Maratha reservation and the unrest among the OBCs opposing any reduction in their reservation quota have added to the significance of this meeting. These state-level issues have garnered considerable attention, making the discussions in Delhi all the more noteworthy.
Controversial Appointments and Intra-Party Struggles
Controversy surrounds recent appointments in the Maharashtra government. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's choice to replace Adesh Bandekar from the Uddhav Thackeray faction with his party's MLA, Sada Sarvankar, as the head of Siddhivinayak Trust has drawn criticism. Critics argue that this decision, among the three parties' appointments, has sent a negative message and should have been avoided. Furthermore, tensions are simmering within the NCP due to perceived bias in the treatment of departments held by Ajit Pawar's party and the preferential treatment accorded to Sena MLAs. With the winter session of the Legislative Assembly set to commence in early December, expectations are growing for pivotal decisions to be made before then.
Family Reunion and Political Implications
During his Delhi visit, Ajit Pawar met his estranged uncle and NCP chief, Sharad Pawar, at Prataprao Pawar's residence. This family gathering, where the Pawar family came together for Diwali greetings, held political significance due to the NCP's past split after Ajit aligned with the BJP. Sharad Pawar's sister, Saroj Patil, clarified that the gathering was a family event for Diwali celebration, not a political meeting. NCP state president Jayant Patil refrained from commenting on the family gathering, leaving room for interpretation.
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