Published On : Fri, May 1st, 2015

Is BJP snubbing Shiv Sena over plum posts?

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Nagpur: The bitter feud running between BJP and Shiv Sena since the announcement of Assembly election and the break-up of alliance over seats is being witnessed even today in one form or the other. The joining of BJP Government by Shiv Sena after a series of hectic talks notwithstanding the party suffers as far as plum posts are concerned. Then it may be non-significant portfolios in ministry or appointments on various boards. Such scenario is also being seen in Nagpur as well.

In the Assembly election last October, Shiv Sena had miserably failed to open its account in Nagpur district. As a result, the BJP is conveniently snubbing its ally while filling plum posts of Trustees, Directors, Members in different boards and committees. All BJP men are being appointed in the posts. The party has made its mind to put its man as NIT Trustee even though the post belongs to Shiv Sena quota. Politics is different ball game and change is inevitable. In today’s situation, the BJP is planning to appoint West Nagpur MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh or Hingna MLA Sameer Meghe or Corporators Vijay Raut or Avinash Thakre as NIT Trustee. Apart from these men, Munna Yadav is also in the race being very close to Chief Minister. On the other hand, Shiv Sena’s Kiran Pandav is leaving no stone unturned and knocking doors of Health Minister and District Sampark Pramukh Dr Deepak Sawant for the NIT chair.

According to sources, a fresh deal has been hammered out by BJP and Shiv Sena by which 30 percent posts in committees in the district have to be given to Shivsainiks. However, the Shiv Sena leaders, following a tug-of-war among themselves, are finding it difficult to send the Shivsainiks to these committees. As a result, discontent is brewing among the cadre.

No Executive till to date:
The appointment of Satish Harde as City President has become a thing of past but till to date he has not been asked to go ahead with formation of Executive Committee. The outcome is that the enthusiasm in which the Shivsainiks joined together fell apart like pack of cards. Harde encouraged groupism and sidelined the loyal Shivsainiks from the mainstream.

According to sources, Satish Harde himself could be dumped and in his place Kishore Parate or Kishore Kumeria could be saddled. The chances of Kishre Parate heading the city unit of the party are bright. He was recently invited by Shiv Sena supremo and was clearly told that he would be given the responsibility. If Parate is made city unit chief, Shiv Sena would be in a position to attract around two lakh Halba voters in its fold. BJP had promised to provide ST status to Halbas but the same had not been done till today mainly due to three dozen Adivasi MLAs in State and around 100 MPs in the country who might be opposing inclusion of Halbas in ST category. On the other hand, the number of Halba MLAs and MPs across the country could be counted on finger tips only. If Parate is given preference, 75 percent of MNS leaders and workers could join Shiv Sena. Even otherwise, Shiv Sena is getting priority for entry instead of Congress and NCP to raise voice against BJP and agitate against it over contentious issues.

BJP-Sena

 

Rajeev Ranjan Kushwaha(rajeev.nagpurtoday@gmail.com)