MUMBAI, 17 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): In a planned effort ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls, The State Urban Development Department, headed by CM Eknath Shinde has issued order on Monday confirming allotment of key positions to the ruling Sena’s chief colleagues.CM Eknath Shinde took this decision in order to subdue the dissent of his chief supporters and party colleagues disappointed over the allotment of key cabinet positions to them.

Eknath Shinde-led government on Monday appointed former MP Anandrao Adsul and party MLA Sanjay Shirsat on key sectors in the state.

Shirsat has been appointed as the chairman of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), one of the richest state government undertakings, the Cidco chairman’s post is equivalent to a cabinet rank.
The government order stated that the tenure of the appointment would be for the next one-and-a-half years or till the next government order is out.

Dharmpal Meshram, vice president of the state BJP and its spokesperson, has been appointed deputy chairperson of the State Scheduled Caste and Tribes Commission for a three-year term.

Siddhesh Kadam, son of Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, was made the chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

Shinde also appointed his party colleague and former MP Anandrao Adsul as the chairman of the Maharashtra State Scheduled Caste and Tribes Commission.Adsul had earlier claimed that he had been promised to be made governor of a state, but Sena did not follow through.

The order also granted cabinet rank to Hemant Patil, Chairman of Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research and Training Centre (BTTRTC) in Vasmat tehsil of Hingoli district.

Established in 2022, the BTTRTC was initially headed by former MP Hemant Patil who has been now elevated to the rank of a cabinet minister.

On Tuesday CM Eknath Shinde was addressing a gathering after hoisting the national flag at the Hutatma Memorial in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously Aurangabad) on the occasion of Marathwada Liberation Day, also known as Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din, marking the region’s integration into the Union of India from Nizam’s rule in 1948.

CM Eknath Shinde reaffirmed his government’s dedication to advancing the drought-prone Marathwada region, stating that numerous projects valued at Rs. 29,000 crore are currently in progress to ensure the area’s development within a set timeline.He said that Marathwada is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s overall progress.

“The state government is determined to develop Marathwada, and this region will contribute significantly to the nation’s growth. To resolve the drought issues plaguing the region, we have initiated a Rs. 15,000 crore project to redirect runoff water to the Godavari River. This water-linking initiative will change Marathwada’s drought-stricken identity,” Mr. Shinde said to GPN.

Last year the MahaYuti government held a special cabinet meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to address key issues facing Marathwada. “It initiated projects exceeding Rs 45,000 crore. 29 decisions and 26 declarations were made on September 16, 2023. Projects worth Rs. 29,000 crore are in the final stages, while others are being executed.”Mr. Shinde said.

However the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA) refuted the Chief Minister’s claim, branding it as ‘untrue.’ Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve accused the government of making false statements and demanded a white paper on the announced projects. “The government had announced developmental works worth Rs. 46,000 crore last year. Now, the CM says works of Rs. 29,000 crore are underway. He should show where the work is underway. A cash of ₹1 lakh will be given if any such work is found to be currently ongoing.”

In his allegation Danve, even offered a reward of Rs. 1 lakh to anyone who could prove such development work was actually underway.