Shinde to Obtain Affidavits from Sena Ministers Agreeing to Step Down Mid-Term

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, leading the Shiv Sena, is set to take affidavits from newly sworn-in ministers, committing them to step down after two and a half years. This move aims to ensure equitable power distribution among party members. Minister Shamburaj Desai confirmed the affidavits would allow Shinde to officially remove underperforming ministers. Shinde emphasized a ‘perform or perish’ policy, stating that only those who deliver will retain their positions.

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Discontent Among Dropped Ministers and MLAs

Several Sena MLAs and ministers excluded from the cabinet have expressed dissatisfaction. Deepak Kesarkar, Abdul Sattar, and Tanaji Sawant, dropped on BJP and CM Devendra Fadnavis’s recommendations, are reportedly unhappy. Kesarkar, however, maintained a calm stance, choosing to pray at Shirdi rather than attend the swearing-in. Meanwhile, Sattar and Sawant faced allegations of inefficiency, including controversial decisions and poor relations with bureaucrats. Other MLAs without ministerial roles, like Narendra Bhondekar and Prakash Surve, have also voiced their displeasure.

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Regional and Community Representation in Cabinet Reshuffle

Shinde has attempted to balance regional representation in his cabinet, though some gaps remain. While Konkan, traditionally a Shiv Sena stronghold, received strong representation with three ministers, the inclusion of two ministers from Thane city raised concerns about regional equity. Shinde has also accommodated the Brahmin community by appointing Uday Samant and fulfilled his promise to make Prakash Abitkar a minister. However, balancing power among regions and factions continues to be a challenge.

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Sena Ministers’ Humble Beginnings Highlighted

The cabinet reshuffle also spotlighted the humble origins of several Shiv Sena ministers. Shinde himself was a former rickshaw driver, as were Pratap Sarnaik and Sanjay Shirsat. Sarnaik, from Dombivli, previously sold bhurji pao, while Shirsat worked as a rickshaw driver in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Their inclusion in the cabinet underscores the party’s efforts to showcase leaders with grassroots connections, even as it navigates internal tensions and power dynamics.

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