States » WestPosted at: Oct 17 2026 3:41PM


Rohit Pawar accuses BJP of retaining finance portfolio, warns of farmers' agitation over Rs 5,000 aid

Solapur, Oct 17 (UNI) NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday accused the BJP of retaining Maharashtra's finance portfolio following the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, alleging that his wife, Sunetra Pawar, would not be entrusted with the key department.
Questioning the ruling alliance's treatment of the late NCP leader, he also criticised the state government's proposed Rs 5,000 advance assistance to drought-hit farmers, warning that the ruling alliance would face protests if adequate relief was not delivered promptly.
"I know the BJP very well, which is why I keep my distance from it. After Ajit Pawar's death, the BJP has taken away the finance portfolio," Rohit Pawar added.
Ajit Pawar, who held the finance portfolio, was expected to present the Maharashtra Budget in the state legislature in March. However, his death in an air crash in January this year triggered a political reshuffle.
His wife, Sunetra Pawar, subsequently took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retained the finance portfolio and presented the state Budget.
Nearly nine months after Ajit Pawar's death, the finance portfolio has yet to be handed back to the NCP. The issue remains unresolved despite demands from Sunetra Pawar and senior party leaders.
Rohit Pawar alleged that neither leaders within Ajit Pawar's party nor the BJP had done justice to the late leader.
Turning to the farmers' relief package, he condemned the proposed advance assistance of Rs 5,000, saying the amount was inadequate to address the difficulties faced by drought-hit farmers.
"The government is taking farmers for granted by offering just Rs 5,000. Provide them relief immediately, or we will not allow you to celebrate Diwali," he warned, issuing an ultimatum to the state government to ensure that assistance reaches farmers without delay.
Rohit Pawar said that after participating in a protest over the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) issue, he had been touring his constituency. He added that he would now actively campaign for the upcoming Legislative Council election from the graduates' constituency.
On the alleged irregularities in the MPSC recruitment process, Rohit Pawar expressed confidence in the inquiry being conducted by the committee headed by senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe.
He said some students had met him and would also approach Mundhe to submit evidence. He expressed hope that the committee would uncover the irregularities and ensure strict action against those responsible.
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Tags: #Rohit Pawar accuses BJP of retaining finance portfolio# warns of farmers' agitation over Rs 5#000 aid
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