Maharashtra Politics: Ajit Pawar Dismisses Rift Speculation, Says DyCMs Will Get Equal Speaking Time At Public Events

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has dismissed speculation of internal friction within the Maharashtra government, following recent controversies surrounding public appearances and key appointments. Addressing the media, Pawar clarified that he, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have jointly decided that both Shinde and Pawar will henceforth speak for at least two minutes at public events, even when time is constrained and when all the three leaders remain present on one dias.

The clarification comes in the wake of media reports highlighting instances where Ajit Pawar was allegedly denied an opportunity to speak at significant public functions. These included a recent event at Raigad Fort in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi, Dadar. The opposition has criticised these exclusions, accusing the CM of marginalising his deputies and centralising power.

Meanwhile, Pawar also addressed concerns raised over the recent appointment of retired IAS officer Praveen Pardeshi as Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to the CM. Emphasising his support for the decision, Pawar stated, “The CM has full authority to appoint or remove any official. If Pardeshi's expertise can help improve financial discipline and attract more funds from the World Bank, I wholeheartedly welcome his appointment.”

Pawar stressed that the government’s priority remains financial stability and discipline. “CM Fadnavis, DCM Shinde, and I are all working in coordination towards this common goal,” he added.

On Monday, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had alleged that the creation of the CEA post is an attempt to undermine Ajit Pawar’s authority over the Finance Department.

“The CM has effectively intruded into Ajit Dada’s domain by installing a parallel decision-making authority in the Finance Department,” Rohit Pawar claimed. He further accused Fadnavis of exhibiting a pattern of overreach, saying, “Over the past two and a half years, he first encroached on portfolios handled by then CM Shinde, and now he’s doing the same to Ajit Dada.”