Maharashtra’s Social Justice Minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Saturday lashed out at Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, alleging that Rs 413 crore was diverted from the Social Justice Department without any prior consultation or approval.
“If the government doesn’t need the Social Justice Department, it should shut it down. But don’t cripple the funds meant for the socially backward classes,” Shirsat said, addressing reporters. He accused the finance department of acting unilaterally and described its actions as “high-handed”.
The minister claimed that this was not the first time funds had been diverted without notice. He recalled that earlier, Rs 7,000 crore from his department’s allocation had also been shifted by the finance ministry without informing him. He questioned the intent behind such repeated decisions and demanded accountability. “I have no clue about the reasons behind the diversion of funds. This is injustice,” Shirsat said.
Shirsat added that he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and also with his party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He alleged that the finance department was deliberately weakening the department responsible for the welfare of backward classes.
The remarks by Shirsat have the potential to escalate tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Reacting to the allegations, Ajit Pawar said the issue should have been handled internally within the cabinet and not brought into the public domain. “There was no need to make this an external matter. If required, I will discuss it with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Minister Sanjay Shirsat,” Pawar said when asked about the controversy.
Pawar also said that a cabinet meeting is scheduled for May 6, where the issue can be addressed. He indicated that if there had been any mistake, it would be corrected, and if any misunderstanding existed, efforts would be made to resolve it.