Mahayuti rift widens as Devendra Fadnavis issues orders against ministers' staff

Tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance have intensified as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moves to curb the unauthorised retention of Personal Secretaries (PS) and Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) by several ministers from the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Despite repeated directives, some PSs and OSDs have continued to serve their preferred ministers, prompting Fadnavis to issue disciplinary notices to six non-compliant staffers.

The controversy involves Shiv Sena ministers Sanjay Rathod, Shambhuraj Desai, Bharat Gogawale, and Gulabrao Patil, as well as NCP leaders Dattatray Bharne and Chhagan Bhujbal. The appointments of their PSs were earlier stalled following allegations of irregularities. Sources say several of these aides - some of whom have held their positions for years - are under scrutiny for alleged corruption and amassing disproportionate assets.

In an earlier move to bring transparency, Fadnavis had appointed two officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to screen and interview all PS and OSD candidates for the cabinet. This vetting process led to the stalling of multiple appointments, especially those of long-serving aides. However, continued defiance by certain staffers has now triggered tougher action.

“These notices are a serious step to ensure accountability. The government is committed to rooting out corruption and maintaining discipline,” said a senior bureaucrat, requesting anonymity.

The opposition has seized upon the development as a sign of growing discord within the Mahayuti coalition.

“This isn’t just about personal secretaries; it exposes the lack of coordination and trust among alliance partners. The Chief Minister’s orders are being openly defied, which shows how weak his control is,” said Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.

Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, echoed this sentiment, saying complaints had been received about corrupt PSs and OSDs. He added that the issue would be raised during the upcoming monsoon session and that the notices were a necessary response.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Ashish Shelar stated that only Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could offer complete clarity on the matter.

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