Last Updated:
The Shiv Sena mouthpiece expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions, accusing it of prioritising political opportunism over merit and raising concerns about the inclusion of controversial figures in the new cabinet
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during a meeting. (PTI)
The meeting between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Nagpur assembly had generated buzz of a possible reunion of the former allies. However, according to an MLA present in the meeting, Thackeray discussed the issue of Leader of Opposition with Fadnavis as Sena (UBT) has 20 MLAs, which is the highest among its alliance partners Congress and NCP(SP).
Putting all rumours of reconciliation to rest, Wednesday’s Saamana editorial titled ‘Cabinet Formed, Complaints Continue’ took a dig at Fadnavis following the recent cabinet expansion. The editorial expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions, accusing it of prioritising political opportunism over merit and raising concerns about the inclusion of controversial figures in the new cabinet.
The editorial began by mocking the government for delays and infighting surrounding the cabinet expansion, stating, “Even after the swearing-in of 40 ministers, peace and satisfaction remain elusive.” It accused the BJP of leveraging its numerical strength, achieved through EVM majority, to suppress dissent while suggesting that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are waiting in the wings to manage discontent within the ruling coalition.
One of the editorial’s key points of contention was the appointment of Sanjay Rathod, who had resigned amid a controversy over his alleged involvement in the suspicious death of TikTok star Pooja Chavan. The piece questioned Fadnavis’s apparent change of stance, recalling his earlier promise as opposition leader to take strict action against Rathod. The inclusion of Rathod in the cabinet was described as a “betrayal” and indicative of political hypocrisy. Similarly, Dhananjay Munde’s appointment was criticised, given his alleged involvement in cases of extortion and violence in Beed. Saamana noted that these decisions send a poor message to the public about the government’s priorities.
The editorial also pointed out that several senior leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Sudhir Mungantiwar, and Ravindra Chavan, were excluded from the cabinet. It highlighted how Bhujbal, who was previously used to counter the agitation led by Manoj Jarange Patil for Maratha reservation, was now cast aside. The editorial sarcastically commented that “Bhujbal was used, then thrown away”.
It further criticised the BJP for following a “dynastic approach” by appointing ministers from political families, such as Ganesh Naik and others. The piece ridiculed the government for its internal power struggles, asserting that the BJP has the strength to manage its allies — Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar — using central agencies, if required.
Highlighting the dissent brewing within the coalition, the editorial noted that disgruntled leaders from all factions were airing their grievances publicly. Leaders like Nitesh Rane and others were described as “entertaining” in their visible frustration. The editorial claimed that despite these rifts, the BJP is confident in its ability to maintain control, courtesy its majority and the threat of central agencies looming over dissenters. However, it warned that such strategies would only lead to further discontent in the long run.
Concluding the editorial, Saamana described the government as being propped up by EVMs and central enforcement agencies rather than genuine support or political unity. It added that while the government may appear stable, the dissatisfaction within its ranks poses significant challenges ahead. As Saamana put it: “No matter how much the dissatisfied cry or struggle, the EVM majority government remains strong—for now.”
