Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale has alleged that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar is selectively releasing funds to benefit MLAs from his own party, even as the state faces a financial crunch due to the rollout of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme.
Gogawale’s remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction among Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) ministers over what they claim is a deliberate delay or denial of funds for departments under their control. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Gogawale said, "I understand we are not getting funds because the state is facing a financial crunch, and paying installments under the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme is inevitable. But Ajit Pawar should not secretly provide money to his own party ministers to strengthen his position in the state."
While Gogawale was not part of the group of ministers who recently met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai, he confirmed that some of his colleagues had voiced concerns directly to Shinde. The meeting, held at the Sahyadri Guest House, was originally intended to review departmental performance, pending projects, and future planning but quickly turned into a platform for ministers to air their grievances about Ajit Pawar’s alleged partiality.
According to sources, several Shiv Sena ministers accused Ajit Pawar of withholding necessary funds for their departments and constituencies, thereby stalling important development work. “If the Finance Minister refuses to release funds, how are we supposed to execute our projects?” one minister reportedly said. The ministers demanded equitable treatment and fund distribution among all coalition partners in the state government.
Following the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde is said to have assured his ministers that he would raise the issue directly with both Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In response to the allegations, Ajit Pawar clarified the next day that he is not solely responsible for fund disbursement. “The Chief Minister’s signature is also required on funding decisions,” he said, adding that any future supplementary demands would be addressed during the upcoming budget session with the CM's approval.
