Shiv Sena (Ubt) Praises Fadnavis for Rejecting ‘Tainted’ Officers As PAs and OSDs of Ministers
Sanjay Raut Backs CM’s Decision, Slams Shinde-Led Faction Over Alleged Political Manipulations
Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday once again showered praise on Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party lauded Mr. Fadnavis for not clearing the names of some “fixers” recommended by his ministers for appointments as Personal Assistants and Officers on Special Duty.
The issue of appointments of OSDs and PAs came to the fore on Monday after state agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, who is from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, said that there was nothing in the hands of ministers as all appointments are being made the CM. Responding to the minister’s statement, Mr. Fadnavis clarified it was always a practice that the CM approved all PAs and OSDs. He also clarified that he has not approved 16 out of 125 recommendations he received as the concerned officers were facing charges of irregularities.
“Political differences aside, I must congratulate the CM. He is the head of the state administration and he has taken the decision to stop certain people from being appointed as PAs and OSDs. He has taken a tough decision in the larger interests of the state and we support him,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also claimed that 13 of the 16 rejected names were recommended by ministers from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and three were recommended by the NCP ministers. He urged the CM to reveal the 16 names.
This was the second time in two months that the Shiv Sena (UBT) praised Mr. Fadnavis. Earlier, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had praised his initiatives against Naxals in Gadchiroli district.
Mr. Raut also slammed the Shind-led Shiv Sena claiming that its leaders exhibit all 10 characteristics of foolishness as described by Samarth Ramdas Swami. He said the Shinde faction is trying to tarnish the image of Uddhav Thackeray, but they will never succeed.
“No matter how much they try, they cannot finish the Thackeray brand from Maharashtra. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah want to finish the Thackeray brand and therefore a political party of Eknath Shinde and his 40 thieves has been formed,” Mr. Raut said.
