Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: Thackeray Calls for Shinde’s Exclusion from Cabinet
Ahead of the much-anticipated cabinet expansion in Maharashtra, a significant political controversy has emerged. The controversy involves allegations of corruption in the state’s infrastructure projects. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has made a public demand. He wants former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde excluded from the new cabinet lineup. Thackeray also targets two other former ministers, citing their alleged involvement in a major road scam.
The focal point of this scandal is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious 400 KM road concretisation project. Thackeray has been vocal about his concerns. He has been speaking out particularly since January 2023. At that time, he cautioned against the project potentially leading to severe flooding in Mumbai. In his communications, he criticized the project for awarding contracts at a significantly inflated rate. He claimed a 66% cost increase. He demanded its immediate cancellation.
These allegations have stirred the political waters, with the BMC refuting Thackeray’s claims. However, the issue remains contentious. BJP MLA Ashish Shelar also questions the quality of road work in a related project. He is pushing for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter further. This development lends weight to Thackeray’s accusations. It suggests that even allies within the BJP are skeptical of the project’s execution under Shinde’s administration.
Thackeray’s call for a formal inquiry into what he terms a Rs 12,000 crore scam is significant. It underscores a broader demand for accountability in Maharashtra’s governance. This situation becomes even more critical as the state prepares for the cabinet expansion. An oath-taking ceremony is scheduled in Nagpur. The timing could not be more pivotal. The winter session of the state assembly is set to commence. This will bring these issues under the legislative spotlight.
The unfolding scenario tests the new government’s commitment to transparency. It also highlights the intricate dynamics of coalition politics in Maharashtra. As the state moves forward, people will closely watch how Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responds to these allegations. His response will set the tone for administrative accountability in one of India’s most influential states.
