Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to NCP leader Sunil Tatkare’s residence in Raigad on Saturday has sparked fresh political chatter amid the ongoing tug-of-war between the Shiv Sena and the NCP over the coveted Guardian Minister post for Raigad district.
Shah was in Raigad to pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary. Following the event, he had lunch at Tatkare’s home, Geetabag, in Raigad's Sutarwadi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar also accompanied Shah, signalling a show of unity. However, political observers believe the optics may not be enough to cool tempers simmering beneath the surface within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
The visit comes at a time when tensions between the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) continue over who gets to hold the Guardian Minister’s post in Raigad. The position currently belongs to NCP minister Aditi Tatkare, daughter of Sunil Tatkare, a situation the Sena has repeatedly objected to.
Back in January, when the state government released the list of Guardian Ministers for all 36 districts, the Shiv Sena strongly opposed the allocation of Raigad and Nashik to the NCP and BJP respectively. Sena ministers Bharat Gogawle (Raigad) and Dadasaheb Bhuse (Nashik) had staked claims to these positions. The backlash was so intense that CM Fadnavis stayed the decision within 24 hours. Since then, the issue has remained unresolved.
Ajit Pawar Dismisses Reports Of Rift
Speaking to the media, Ajit Pawar dismissed reports of discord within the Mahayuti. “These are all speculations. We meet every week and know how to handle any concerns,” he said. Sunil Tatkare also insisted there was no political motive behind Shah’s visit, saying, “He was in Raigad and I simply invited him for lunch.”
However, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat took a clear stand. “Even if Shah had lunch at the NCP minister’s house, our claim on Raigad’s guardianship remains intact,” he stated according to an Indian Express report.
Political insiders believe Shah’s presence may have been a strategic move to encourage all three Mahayuti partners, BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP to sort out differences before the upcoming elections.
