CM Devendra Fadnavis has come to the defence of his cabinet colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghna Bordikar, who have stirred up a hornet's nest with their controversial statements and behaviour.
“Sometimes ministers make certain comments in jest. Not every statement should be blown out of proportion,” Fadnavis asserted. Last week, he issued a veiled warning to ministers from both the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction and the Eknath Shinde-led Sena, urging them to speak cautiously in public.
Shirsat’s ‘It’s Not Our Father’s Property’ Remark Sparks Backlash
The CM's statement comes amid a growing series of problematic statements made by ruling party ministers. Not to mention, Manikrao Kokate's rummy episode. Recently in Akola, social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat said, “Ask for Rs5 crore, Rs10 crore or even Rs15 crore – whatever you want, I will approve it immediately. It’s government money. What do we lose? It’s not our father’s property!” Despite the backlash, Fadnavis said, “I don’t find what Shirsat said was entirely wrong.”
Meghna Bordikar Caught on Camera Threatening Officer
Minister of state for health and Parbhani guardian minister Meghna Bordikar also landed in the eye of storm after a video showed her threatening a village officer with a slap. She clarified that her outburst was due to repeated complaints from women labourers and widows, who accused the official of bribery to sanction their housing applications under PM Awas Yojana. Fadnavis backed her too, saying the media had selectively presented only part of her comments.
Opposition Slams Ministers, Questions Portfolios
Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray took a jibe at Fadnavis on Friendship Day. Sharing Shirsat’s viral video, Thackeray wrote on X, “Happy Friendship Day, CM with such friends around. Those who play rummy are made sports ministers. Is Shirsat going to get the finance portfolio?” His peer Sushma Andhare also lashed out at Shirsat, demanding his resignation, pointing out that he has “multiplied his assets 25 times in five years”.
