Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announces performance audit for ministers

While the Chief Minister did not provide a specific timeline for the performance review, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, representing Shiv Sena, stated that his party’s ministers would be given two-and-a-half years, with the chance for progression based on performance. NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar indicated that “non-performers” could be replaced as early as within two-and-a-half months.

The Chief Minister stated that the performance audit would be carried out and agreed upon by him, Shinde, and Pawar. “Performance audit of ministers will be done and all three of us have agreed to this,” he remarked. He also noted that BJP leaders who were not included in the Cabinet might be assigned an organisational role. “Those who work good will progress,” he stated.

He also announced that portfolios for new ministers will be allocated within the next two to three days. This follows the swearing-in of 39 legislators from the Mahayuti alliance as part of the cabinet expansion ahead of the winter session of the state legislature.

The Chief Minister also noted that the Mahayuti government’s primary focus will be on the development of Maharashtra. “We have decided on the portfolio allocation and it will be announced in two to three days. Our administration will focus on swift development,” he stated.

He also took a stand against the opposition MVA’s criticism, rejecting their claim that the government is a “government of EVMs” and reaffirming that the government operates according to the Constitution.

“Our government came to power because every vote has gone for Maharashtra. My government works by the Constitution and respecting the dignity of the Constitution is our priority,” noted the CM.

Additionally, CM Fadnavis announced the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. “The case has been given to CID and a special SIT will be set up to investigate. Culprits will be punished,” he noted.

The chief minister also addressed the violence in Parbhani, revealing that the desecration of a stone replica of the Constitution was caused by a mentally unstable individual, who has been arrested. “I have directed the police to take action against those protesters involved in stone pelting in Parbhani,” said the CM.

In response to the opposition’s criticisms of the government’s handling of farmer issues, price hikes, jobs, and the murder of the sarpanch, CM Fadnavis invited the opposition to raise concerns in the legislature rather than through the media.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the opposition MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) slammed the Maharashtra government over issues such as the plight of farmers, rising prices, unemployment, and the murder of a sarpanch.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, accused the government of staging a “drama” by limiting the winter session to only six days, noting that the Nagpur session used to be held for three weeks to a month in the past.

Responding the the same, Fadnavis stated that the Mahayuti government is ready to address all concerns raised by the opposition, but noted that such matters should be discussed on the floor of the legislature rather than through the media.Public smartphone charging stations can put your data at risk: Everything you need to know