Sat Oct 12 03:22:18 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Quits Cabinet Meeting Amidst Tensions with CM Shinde

**Mumbai, India -** Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has dismissed speculations regarding his sudden departure from a crucial cabinet meeting on October 10th, after only 10 minutes.

Pawar’s brief attendance sparked rumors of a dispute with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leading to questions about the stability of the ruling alliance, the Mahayuti, which comprises the NCP, BJP, and Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The meeting, held in Mumbai on Thursday, saw numerous financially significant decisions being taken during Pawar’s absence. Sources suggest that the NCP leader left in a huff after a heated exchange with Shinde.

During a press conference, Pawar insisted that all is well within the Mahayuti, attributing his early exit to a prior commitment. He stated that all cabinet decisions had his approval.

However, sources revealed that Pawar and Shinde clashed over proposals concerning Baramati, a region considered Pawar’s stronghold. The proposals, believed to have originated from Sharad Pawar’s office, reportedly angered Ajit Pawar.

The alleged incident has fueled scrutiny of BJP’s alliance with Ajit Pawar-led NCP in Maharashtra, particularly in the wake of the Lok Sabha elections. BJP’s tie-up with Ajit has been blamed for the Mahayuti’s underwhelming performance in the state, with the alliance securing just 17 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats.

Deputy CM and BJP leader Fadnavis attributed the low vote transfer from NCP as a key reason for his party’s poor performance in the general election.

The incident comes at a sensitive time, with the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled in less than a week.

Read More