Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis pacifies angry allies

Ahead of the monsoon session, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tried to assuage his angry allies by promising them a share in power and a coordination committee to sort out the issues.

Ahead of the monsoon session, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tried to assuage his angry allies by promising them a share in power and a coordination committee to sort out the issues.

The allies — Swabhimaan Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP), Shiv Sangram and the Republican Party of India (RPI) — had recently given an ultimatum to the BJP-led state government, asking them to accommodate them in the government or face their ire.

The allies have asked for ministerial berths as well as memberships in various state cooperatives.

RPI chief Ramdas Athawale said, “Before the elections, the BJP leaders had promised that they would offer us 10% share in the government. If they are unwilling to accommodate us, we will be forced to leave [the alliance].”

“Our workers have campaigned very hard to gain power and now they have some expectations. The BJP needs to accommodate them,” said Vinayak Mete, who heads the Shiv Sangram.

Fadnavis met the allies at his residence and assured them their demands would be met. He has also promised to accommodate them in his ministry before the monsoon session of the assembly.