Dy CM Ajit Pawar clears air on ‘cold war’ with CM Eknath Shinde

CM’s war room chief Radheshyam Mopalwar (second from left) attending Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ‘project monitoring unit’ meeting

A day after the Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed there was a cold war between CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar over reviewing big infra projects, the latter has clarified that his "project monitoring unit" was supplementary to the CM's war room that will continue to control and guide the infra projects under the leadership of Shinde.

"The purpose is to accelerate development. And the efforts of the deputy CM's project monitoring unit will show positive results in the days to come," said a statement from Pawar's office, adding that his efforts be seen objectively by the people. Wadettiwar had accused Pawar of encroaching upon Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's authority. He had said that the CM was upset and proceeded on a three-day break to his native because of Pawar's infringement.

Pawar's statement said the cabinet was expediting the process of development under the CM's leadership. "Projects in Konkan, medical colleges in Satara and Alibaug, Pune metro and ring road, GST Bhavan in Mumbai, Krishi Bhavan in Pune, education commissioner's office, sugar museum, police housing etc projects were reviewed for their progress and fund availability. The unit will meet every fortnight to review work," said the finance minister's office.

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The statement stated that the deputy CM's unit will continue to work on the targets set by the CM's war room. "Efforts will be made under the CM's leadership to get the Centre's approvals, financial aid and other assistance. Chief secretary and CM War Room chief Radheshyam Mopalwar have been attending the deputy CM's unit's meetings, and their efforts will definitely show positive results."