Maharashtra Politics: Narendra Bhondekar, an MLA from Eknath Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena, has resigned as deputy leader of the party after being overlooked for a cabinet berth, NDTV reports.
Bhondekar, who represents the Bhandara-Pavani Assembly constituency and has served as an MLA for three terms, was reportedly promised a ministerial position but was not given one during the recent cabinet expansion.
Narendra Bhondekar's resignation comes after he tried to contact Eknath Shinde and senior leaders Uday Samant and Shrikant Shinde through text messages, but they went unanswered.
Despite resigning from his party post, Bhondekar has not resigned from his role in the assembly. His dissatisfaction reflects a broader sentiment among some party members following the success of the BJP-led Mahayuti ruling alliance in winning 47 of the 62 seats in Vidarbha.
The discontent within the ranks could impact the party's unity and strategy as it prepares for future electoral challenges.
Uday Samant took oath as a minister in the new cabinet of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, December 15.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis completed his cabinet expansion exercise as 39 MLAs took oath in Nagpur, more than three weeks after the assembly election results were announced.
Mahayuti joins 'performance audit' of ministers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the Mahayuti allies have agreed to conduct a “performance audit” of ministers during their tenure.
While Fadnavis did not mention a timeline, deputy CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde said his party's ministers will get two-and-a-half years and those who perform will progress. Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar said 'non-performers' can also be replaced within two-and-a-half months.
The BJP secured 19 ministerial seats as it was the largest party among its allies. Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were allotted 11 and 9 berths respectively.
While 33 lawmakers were sworn in as ministers, six took oath as foreign ministers.