Tussle Over Maharashtra Finance Portfolio Intensifies After Jayant Patil Meets NDA Leaders
A political tug-of-war has intensified in Mumbai over the control of the Maharashtra state finance department as the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) explores the possibility of joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The scramble for the key portfolio escalated last week after senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil held separate, closed-door meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The finance department has become a major bone of contention among various political factions in the state. The crucial department was headed by Ajit Pawar until January this year. Following his death, his post was claimed by Sunetra Pawar. However, Chief Minister Fadnavis kept the department under his own control during the preparation of the annual state budget, citing the risk of handing it over to a political newcomer.
As the NCP (SP) began exploring options to join the NDA at both the Centre and state levels, the coveted finance department emerged as a top item on its wishlist. The party is positioning Jayant Patil as its prime candidate for the portfolio. Patil has substantial experience in the role, having served as the state's finance minister for nearly a decade in successive Congress-NCP governments.
The growing speculation that Patil could return as the finance minister has caused alarm for Sunetra Pawar and her son, Parth Pawar. The mother-son duo is strongly opposed to a merger. Because the finance minister controls the state's purse strings, Patil's appointment would put him in a powerful position to influence MLAs, which they view as a significant threat to their faction.
Additionally, the prospect of Patil taking over the department has caused unease within the ruling Mahayuti government. Senior BJP ministers have expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of a close confidant of Sharad Pawar controlling the state's financial resources, further complicating the cabinet dynamics.
