Fadnavis Trims Ministerial List: Why Mahayuti Faces Political Turmoil
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A new controversy has erupted in Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the long-awaited appointments of Special Officers on Duty (OSD) and Personal Assistants (PA) for ministers—three months after the government took office. However, his decision to reject 16 names has sparked outrage among political circles.
Why Were 16 Names Rejected?
CM Fadnavis defended his move, stating:
???? "Out of the 125 proposed names, 109 have been approved, but 16 were withheld due to their questionable track record, ongoing investigations, or known links as middlemen."
???? Taking a firm stance against corruption, he added:
???? "I will not approve tainted individuals. No corrupt person will be appointed, regardless of political pressure."
Majority of Rejected Names from Shiv Sena & NCP?
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut backed Fadnavis’ decision but raised a critical point:
???? "Of the 16 rejected names, 13 were suggested by Shiv Sena ministers and 3 by NCP ministers."
⚡ Adding fuel to the fire, NCP leader Manikrao Kokate sarcastically remarked:
???? "Now even ministers cannot choose their own PAs and OSDs?"
Who Are OSDs & PAs? Why Are They Important?
Every minister in Maharashtra is entitled to a 35-member staff, including:
✔ 1 Personal Assistant (PA)
✔ 3 Officers on Special Duty (OSD)
???? These roles require CMO approval and strict eligibility:
✅ Must be a government employee
✅ Must hold a graduate degree
✅ Must have a clean track record
✅ Must have administrative & communication skills
Typically, Deputy Secretaries or Section Officers are selected for these positions.
Why Has Fadnavis' Decision Triggered Political Turmoil?
???? Tensions within the Mahayuti alliance are rising as rejected names primarily belong to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. While some ministers are frustrated, Fadnavis remains firm:
???? "I am simply following the strict rules for appointing PAs and OSDs."
Power Struggles & Corruption Concerns
???? Past scandals show that PAs & OSDs wield significant influence over projects and policies.
⚠ Notable Cases of Misuse:
???? In 2021, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh’s PA, Sanjeev Palande, was arrested for corruption.
???? NCP MLA Amol Mitkari once alleged that a PA demanded ₹5 lakh bribe from him.
Mahayuti Government: Cracks Widening?
A Shiv Sena minister, speaking anonymously, warned:
???? "We oppose corruption, but in a coalition government, alliance partners losing authority is unfair."
Meanwhile, a BJP minister defending Fadnavis stated:
✅ "Tough decisions are needed for corruption-free governance. The rules apply to all—including the BJP."
As political tensions escalate, will Fadnavis’ anti-corruption stance prevail, or will political pressure force a compromise? The battle over appointments is shaping up to be a major power struggle within Mahayuti—one that could redefine Maharashtra’s political landscape.
