Mumbai Confidential: Ayodhya Calling

Even as the Ayodhya visit was planned by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along with Shiv Sena leaders and workers after the Election Commission recognised his group as the real Shiv Sena and allotted it the party poll symbol ‘bow and arrow’, the last-minute plan by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to join Shinde in Ayodhya is being seen by many as a way to share the limelight that Shinde is hogging at the national level. Initially, many raised eyebrows after BJP minister Girish Mahajan joined Shinde and then Fadnavis decided to join Shinde at the last minute.

Retirement Plan

Maharashtra Chief Secretary Manu Kumar Shrivastava, who retires in April-end, has informed the state government about his preference for the post of chief commissioner (right to guarantee of services) post retirement. Earlier, it was believed that he would opt for the post of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). The tenure of chief commissioner (RGS) is five years while that of CIC is three years.

Advertisement

Pawar Play

Recent statements by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, breaking ranks with the Opposition, have led to several rumours in the political circles in Maharashtra. While some are saying that this is an indication of the NCP moving closer to the BJP and its leadership ahead of the 2024 elections, there are others who say that it is only limited to providing some breather to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, who have been facing attacks from the Opposition.