Mahayuti rift widens as Devendra Fadnavis issues orders against ministers' staff
Tensions within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance have intensified as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moves to curb the unauthorised retention of Personal Secretaries (PS) and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) by several ministers from the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).Despite repeated directives, some PSs and OSDs have continued to serve their preferred ministers, prompting Fadnavis to issue disciplinary notices to six non-compliant staffers.The controversy involves Shiv Sena ministers Sanjay Rathod, Shambhuraj Desai, Bharat Gogawale, and Gulabrao Patil, as well as NCP leaders Dattatray Bharne and Chhagan Bhujbal. The appointments of their PSs were earlier stalled following allegations of irregularities. Sources say several of these aides - some of whom have held their positions for years - are under scrutiny for alleged corruption and amassing disproportionate assets.In an earlier move to bring transparency, Fadnavis had appointed two officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) to screen and interview all PS and OSD candidates for the cabinet. This vetting process led to the stalling of multiple appointments, especially those of long-serving aides. However, continued defiance by certain staffers has now triggered tougher action.'These notices are a serious step to ensure accountability. The government is committed to rooting out corruption and maintaining discipline,' said a senior bureaucrat, requesting anonymity.The opposition has seized upon the development as a sign of growing discord within the Mahayuti coalition.'This isn't just about personal secretaries; it exposes the lack of coordination and trust among alliance partners. The Chief Minister's orders are being openly defied, which shows how weak his control is,' said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, echoed this sentiment, saying complaints had been received about corrupt PSs and OSDs. He added that the issue would be raised during the upcoming monsoon session and that the notices were a necessary response.Meanwhile, cabinet minister Ashish Shelar stated that only Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could offer complete clarity on the matter.- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Govt withdrew language policy GRs to prevent protest, says Uddhav
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday claimed the Maharashtra government withdrew the GRs on the three-language policy to ensure that the joint protest by political parties against "imposition of Hindi" does not take place. Talking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan, the former chief minister said heads of Marathi haters were smashed by displaying the unity of the "Marathi manoos", and the united front should be maintained before the "next crisis". He asserted that instead of a protest morcha, victory celebrations will be held on July 5. Following mounting opposition against the introduction of Hindi for Classes 1 to 5 in schools, the state government has withdrawn two government orders (GRs) on the implementation of the three-language policy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee headed by educationist Narendra Jadhav to suggest the way forward on the language policy. On Sunday, the Shiv Sena (UBT), along with the leaders of other political parties, including the MNS, burnt copies of the GRs. "We have smashed the heads of Marathi haters. Before they raise their heads again and the next crisis hits us, we should maintain this unity. We are talking to everyone. We need to show the same unity in the victory celebration," Uddhav Thackeray said. The Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led MNS had planned a joint protest against the three-language policy on July 5. "The issue of making Hindi compulsory is over, and the Marathi unity will be on display on July 5," he said, adding that the programme of a victory celebration will be announced after talking to leaders of all parties involved in the protest. He further claimed that if the government had not withdrawn the GRs, even Marathi supporters from the ruling BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and NCP would have participated in the protest march. "I am warning the government not to take the matter lightly. This pertains to education, and you have appointed an economist," he said.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra withdraws Hindi language orders in schools after backlash, forms review panel
Mumbai, Amid a growing chorus against the introduction of the Hindi language in Maharashtra schools from classes 1 to 5, the state cabinet on Sunday decided to withdraw two GRs (government orders) on the implementation of the three-language policy. Addressing a press conference on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced the formation of a committee under educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav to suggest the way forward and implementation of the language policy. The panel has sought three months to study the issue and prepare a report. Fadnavis alleged Uddhav Thackeray had accepted the recommendations of the Dr Raghunath Mashelkar committee to introduce a three-language policy from class 1 to 12 when he was chief minister and set up a committee to implement the policy. "The state cabinet has decided to withdraw the Government Resolutions (GR) issued in April and June regarding the implementation of the three-language policy from class one. A committee headed by Dr Narendra Jadhav will be formed to recommend implementation (of the three-language formula)," Fadnavis said. He said the government will take a fresh decision based on the report of Dr Jadhav, a former member of the Planning Commission and ex-Vice Chancellor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "The other names of the committee will be announced in some days. The panel will study the Mashelkar Committee's report and suggest from which standard (class 1 or otherwise) the three language formula will be implemented,'' he said. The Fadnavis government had issued a GR on April 16, making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. Amid backlash, the government issued an amended GR on June 17 making Hindi an optional language. The move was criticised by the Opposition- Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and NCP (SP)- which dubbed it the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra. Fadnavis acknowledged the difference of opinion over finalising the grade (class 1 or 5) for implementing the three-language formula. "The decision (on language policy) has been taken in the interest of Marathi students. If three languages are taught, students will get credit in the academic bank," he added. Fadnavis said the then CM Thackeray had appointed an 18-member Mashelkar Committee on September 21, 2020, comprising reputed figures from the education sector, on how to implement the NEP. A GR was issued on October 16, 2020. "The committee submitted a 101-page report on September 14, 2021. The panel stated that apart from the Marathi language, English and Hindi languages should be taught in classes 1 to 12. The report was tabled in the state cabinet on January 7, 2022. The minutes of the cabinet meeting are available,'' he said. He claimed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vijay Kadam, who runs an educational institution, was a member of the Mashelkar committee. Fadnavis also claimed Uddhav didn't mention that his government disagreed with the Mashelkar committee's report. "At that time, Uddhav didn't say that his government was not accepting the three-language formula. The then government set up a sub-group on the Mashelkar Committee's report," he added. Accusing Uddhav Thackeray of playing politics over the language issue, Fadnavis said the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief was opposing the Hindi language as he wants to "lay red carpet for the English language". Fadnavis said the Mahayuti government headed by him issued the two GRs in April and June as part of the sub-group set up by the then Thackeray-led MVA government. "We changed the decision to make the Hindi language mandatory and made it optional," he added. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS had announced a joint march on July 5 to oppose the "imposition" of the Hindi language. The march was cancelled after the government withdrew the GRs. Fadnavis also took potshots at MNS chief Raj Thackeray. "Raj Thackeray was nowhere in the picture at that time. He should ask Uddhav why his stand changed when his party joined the Opposition," he said. Fadnavis said Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted everyone to learn the Hindi language. "Any Indian who doesn't accept this proposal as part and parcel of a linguistic state has no right to be an Indian. He may be 100 per cent Maharashtrian, 100 per cent Gujarati, and 100 per cent Tamil, but he cannot be an Indian in the real sense of the word, except in geographical sense. If my suggestion is not accepted, India will then cease to be India," he said quoting Ambedkar from "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: writings and speeches". Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde were also present at the presser. Pawar appealed to Marathi people not to participate in the morcha given the government's decision to withdraw the GRs. Shinde said the government's decision will be in the interest of students. "We have no ego," he added. PTI Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Government buckled under 'pressure' from opposition: Aaditya Thackeray on withdrawal of govt orders on Hindi
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the GRs have been withdrawn, and announced the formation of a committee headed by educationist Narendra Jadhav to suggest the way forward on the language policy. "Despite having power, the government had to roll back its own resolutions due to pressure from the people, the opposition and others opposing the imposition of Hindi," Thackeray claimed. "We will continue our pressure on the government until it issues a formal decision in writing. We no longer trust this government. The unity of the Marathi people must be demonstrated before Delhi," said the legislator, son of former state chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. Asked about motives behind the government's decision, Aaditya Thackeray alleged, "The BJP and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are working hard to prevent any unity between Uddhav and (MNS head) Raj Thackeray. But they are mistaken if they think they can divide the Marathi pride." Danve said, "We are happy that our demand has been partially met. But we are still skeptical of the Maharashtra government, especially since it has now formed another committee to study the matter further." NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil claimed the government's reversal on the introduction of Hindi demonstrates how detached it is from the public sentiment. "The withdrawal of its own decisions on Hindi imposition shows how alienated this government is from concerns of the people. It also underscores the dysfunctionality of the administration," he charged. The state legislature's monsoon session commenced today and will continue till July 18. While the House proceedings began with obituary references, the opposition made it clear it would target the government on a range of issues, such as farm loan waiver, fair prices for agricultural produce, inflation, employment, education and alleged administrative irregularities.
