BJP allies press for ministerial berths, representation in govt undertakings in Maharashtra

Fadnavis assures induction of allies in cabinet before monsoon session

BJP allies in Maharashtra the Republican Party of India (RPI), the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), the Rashtriya Samaj Party (RSP) and the Shiv Sangram on Saturday led a frontal attack against the ruling party 'neglecting' them in the functioning of the government. They are also aggrieved over government's inaction in attending to the various issues raised by them. These parties made a strong case for getting 10% share in the state cabinet and a due representation in various government undertakings and corporations at the earliest. If BJP continues to sidetrack them, allies warned that they may take an extreme stand.

However, barely after two hours of their warning the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met the allies at his residence and pacified them assuring ministerial berths in the cabinet expansion slated before the monsoon session of the state legislature in July. Besides, Fadnavis said a coordination committee, which currently comprises leaders from BJP and Shiv Sena, will be further expanded by giving representation to the allies.

Earlier today, RPI MP Ramdas Athavale, SSS MP Raju Shetti, RSP chief Mahadev Jankar and Shiv Sangram chief Vinayak Mete at their meeting said BJP should not forget that they were also responsible in BJP winning 122 seats in the assembly election held last year. Had they not forged an alliance with BJP, the Shiv Sena, which had bagged 63 seats at the assembly elections, could have won additional 50 seats.

Shetti, who was quite vocal during the meeting, said BJP had simply failed to meet its assurances given during the run up to the assemly election. "Due price is not given to the milk producers and cane, cotton and food grain growers in the state. Moreover, works in the constituencies are not being cleared despite BJP's allies," he said.

Athavale shared Shetti's views saying that it was quite frustrating that approvals for works are pending for a long time.

Mete wanted to know why the government is not placing the memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji on fast track development. He insisted that the government will have to make extra efforts to restore reservation for the Maratha community which has been stayed by the Bombay high court.

Jankar also expressed displeasure over lack of decision on the reservation to the Dhangar community.