Ajit Pawar-led panel to oversee MLA development funds amid Mahayuti rift rumours
To address growing concerns over fund allocations and restore transparency, the Maharashtra government has established a six-member sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar to oversee the development funds allocated to MLAs under the 'MLA local development programme'. This strategic move came amid reports of simmering tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, particularly between the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Pawar-led NCP.advertisementThe sub-committee's primary objective is to review and approve developmental works across all constituencies, aiming to make the programme more efficient and accountable. It will focus on studying ways to enhance the scheme, expand the scope of projects and improve implementation processes.The formation of the sub-committee is seen as an attempt to streamline fund distribution, which has been a contentious issue within the Mahayuti government.
The sub-committee comprises the following members:Chairman: Deputy Chief Minister/Minister (Finance and Planning) - Ajit PawarMembers:Minister (Industries)Minister (Revenue)Minister (Rural Development and Water Supply)Minister (School Education Department)Minister (Sports and Youth Welfare)The programme empowers MLAs to recommend projects - like repairing roads, installing streetlights and upgrading public spaces like parks - to the Deputy Commissioner for approval, with an emphasis on creating durable infrastructure.However, the decision to place Pawar at the helm of the sub-committee follows a recent directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to maintain a power balance within the alliance. Fadnavis ordered that all files from the Finance and Planning Department, currently under Pawar's control, must first pass through Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde before reaching him for final approval.advertisementThe move was a response to the Shiv Sena's dissatisfaction over fund allocations and the appointment of Guardian Ministers in key districts like Raigad and Nashik.The underlying friction traces back to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government tenure when Shinde's Shiv Sena accused Pawar of favoritism in fund distribution. They alleged that funds were prioritised for the NCP, followed by the Congress, with Shiv Sena receiving the least attention. This discord played a significant role in the collapse of the MVA government.Following Shinde's rebellion in the Sena in 2022, he became the Chief Minister with Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister. Pawar, who split the NCP in 2023, later joined as Deputy Chief Minister under Shinde and retained control of the Finance Department.The establishment of the sub-committee is expected to bring some clarity to the allocation process and potentially reduce tensions within the Mahayuti alliance. However, it is unlikely to quell the unease within the Shiv Sena, which may view Pawar's leadership of the sub-committee as a continuation of the same power dynamics they have long contested.
IN THIS STORY#Maharashtra#Ajit Pawar#Nationalist Congress Party#Shiv Sena#Devendra Fadnavis
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