‘Not My Father's Money': Will Maharashtra Minister's Remark After Cash Bag Row Prove Costly For Him?
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader and Maharashtra's Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat is once again in the middle of a political storm. Just weeks after a video went viral showing him smoking next to a bag allegedly filled with cash, Shirsat has now stirred fresh controversy with another careless statement — this time while addressing a public function in Akola.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Social Justice Bhavan, Shirsat made an off-the-cuff remark that has not gone down well with political circles. 'Ask for Rs 5, Rs 10 or Rs 15 crore — I'll approve it immediately. It's government money, not my father's," he said, triggering fresh outrage over the tone and attitude of public representatives handling public funds.
This latest statement is likely to test Fadnavis' patience. While the CM has been trying to steer the government clear of needless controversies, repeated incidents like these — especially from the same minister — are causing political embarrassment. Sources suggest that Fadnavis is not pleased, and action may be on the cards if Shirsat doesn't fall in line.
Interestingly, in the same speech, Shirsat also advised NCP MLA Amol Mitkari to speak cautiously. 'You give good TRP to the media, but don't talk too much. Otherwise, you'll be in the same situation as me," he said — almost joking about his own previous run-ins with the media.
The comment reflects both a lack of remorse and a misplaced confidence that such controversies will blow over without consequence. What's worrying party leaders, however, is the pattern — Shirsat's previous video already put him in a tight spot, with his party leadership reportedly expressing disapproval in private. Now, with this fresh controversy, murmurs within the Mahayuti alliance have started again.
Shirsat's refusal to tone down his words despite clear instructions has also reignited public debate over how ministers treat taxpayers' money. Opposition parties are already sharpening their attack, questioning whether the BJP-Sena-led alliance is serious about governance or simply brushing aside such irresponsible behaviour.
As public pressure builds, all eyes are now on the Chief Minister. Will he act against Sanjay Shirsat this time, or will this too be let go as 'just another slip of tongue"?
मा. शिरसाठ साहेब, पैसा तुमच्या घरचा नसला तरी निवडणुकीच्यावेळी ज्यांना तुम्ही #मायबाप म्हणता त्या 'माय' आणि 'बाप' जनतेचा तर आहे ना! या पैशाचा उपयोग करणारे तुम्ही फक्त तात्पुरते विश्वस्त आहात. त्यामुळं सरकारचा पैसा आपल्या घरचा नाही म्हणून कशीही उधळपट्टी करण्याचा किंवा 'बॅगा… pic.twitter.com/LeDlHUPgvV — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) August 3, 2025
Opposition reacts
Shiv Sena UBT leader Aditya Thackeray on microblogging website X had posted video of Minister Sanjay Shirsat and tagged CMO Maharashtra and wished him 'happy friendship day". He further wrote, 'Due to compulsion of alliance Dharma, Minister who was caught playing cards on mobile was given Sports department. Now will this minister get Finance department?"
NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also posted same video of Shirsat and slammed him for the language and tone which he had used. 'Minister Shirsath, even if the money doesn't come from your personal household, it certainly belongs to the common people of the state whom you call #MyLord during election time! You being minister in the state govt who has given responsibility utilize this money is merely temporary trustees. Therefore, no one has the right to recklessly squander government funds or 'fill their bags' just because it's not their personal money."
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