Maharashtra Politics: Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar-Led NCP Delegation Meets CM Devendra Fadnavis, Demands Return Of Finance Portfolio

Mumbai: Senior figures from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday. The purpose of the meeting was to request the return of the Finance portfolio to the NCP. Sunetra Pawar spearheaded the discussions amidst a series of political consultations by the NCP.

Fadnavis reportedly expressed a positive response to the demand, though he did not provide a specific date for returning the portfolio. The NCP anticipates receiving the Finance Department before the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. Following the meeting, Sunetra Pawar and other senior NCP leaders, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Dhananjay Munde, Hasan Mushrif, and Jay Pawar, addressed the media.

Bhujbal emphasized that significant time had elapsed and that the Finance portfolio, which was due to be returned to the NCP, should be handed over as soon as possible. The Chief Minister was reportedly positive about the transfer, stating that it would be handed over after considering the current circumstances, including drought-related issues and funding arrangements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had granted Fadnavis the autonomy to decide on the matter. However, Bhujbal highlighted that the government needed to allocate substantial funds for drought-hit farmers, including ongoing loan waiver measures and an advance relief installment of Rs 5,000. The timing of the portfolio transfer would hinge on these considerations.

The meeting gains importance as Sunetra Pawar and her son, Parth Pawar, had previously met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, leading to speculation about the NCP's demands and the dynamics within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Bhujbal firmly rejected reports of a potential merger between the two NCP factions or any changes involving four or five ministers.

He clarified that neither issue was discussed during Sunday's meeting. Bhujbal stated that a decision on the vacant ministerial position in the NCP quota would be made collectively within the Mahayuti alliance, taking into account vacancies in the BJP as well. The timing of any cabinet expansion would be determined by the Chief Minister.

The NCP's deliberations on portfolio allocation and finding a resolution before the winter session have intensified.