Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 29: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday delivered a sharp message to his cabinet, warning that repeated controversies involving ministers are tarnishing the government’s image and giving ammunition to the opposition. In a candid 30-minute post-cabinet interaction, Fadnavis told ministers that if they don't rein themselves in, he would be forced to act.

The CM advised ministers to avoid media interactions, focus solely on their departments, and issue clarifications swiftly if caught in any controversy—without escalating the matter further.

“Speak less, work more,” Fadnavis reportedly told the ministers, emphasizing that scandals were overshadowing the government’s achievements.

His stern advisory comes after a string of controversies surrounding key ministers rocked the MahaYuti government, drawing heavy criticism from the opposition.

Ministers Under Fire

Among those under the CM’s radar:

• Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate came under fire after a video of him playing rummy in the state council went viral. The backlash intensified when he later stated that “the government is the beggar, not farmers,” sparking outrage and drawing demands for his resignation.

• Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat faced heat after his son secured a tender for a hotel in Sambhajinagar despite lacking eligibility. The minister later landed in deeper trouble when a video showing a bag full of currency notes surfaced, prompting Fadnavis to order a high-level probe.

• School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse is facing opposition scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the teacher recruitment process.

• Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, was accused by Shiv Sena MLA Anil Parab of being involved in illegal sand trade and corruption linked to dance bar raids. While Kadam denied the allegations and promised to clear his name, Fadnavis stated that action would follow if credible evidence emerges.

• Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod also came under criticism over irregularities in departmental recruitment and postings.

This growing list of controversies, largely involving Shiv Sena ministers, has eclipsed the monsoon session's legislative agenda. Instead of debates on policy or public welfare, infighting and scandals dominated the narrative, damaging the image of the state legislature.

A senior minister from the ruling coalition remarked, “The CM was very clear—any further embarrassment will not be tolerated. Ministers have been put on notice.”

As Fadnavis attempts to restore discipline and public trust, the challenge now lies in ensuring that governance takes precedence over damage control in the remainder of the government's term.