Sunetra Pawar and NCP leaders meet Chief Minister Fadnavis to demand finance portfolio back

Sunetra Pawar led a delegation of Nationalist Congress Party leaders to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, on Sunday. The party wants the finance portfolio returned to the faction led by the late Ajit Pawar. Fadnavis took charge of the department because the state Budget had to be presented soon after Ajit Pawar passed away. The party states it was promised the post would be given back after a period of time, but that has not taken place yet.

Demands And Responses

Senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal stated that the finance department is part of their party quota and needs to be handed back quickly because party MLAs are constantly discussing the delay. Bhujbal expressed confidence that the Chief Minister will return the department after ongoing financial matters like drought relief funds and farmer loan waivers are settled. Sources report that Fadnavis gave a positive response to the request. Bhujbal also denied rumours of any party merger or plans to replace five ministers from the rival faction, adding that a cabinet expansion will happen later along with the BJP.

Context

Coalition governments in state politics often distribute major cabinet positions like finance among partner parties based on pre-decided quotas and agreements. Key portfolios control important state funds and policy decisions, making them major points of discussion during power-sharing arrangements between allied political groups.