In Maharashtra’s political corridors, whispers of occult rituals have been associated with a regional powerhouse. The speculation turned abuzz when several of its leaders recently visited the famed Kamakhya temple in Assam, a known seat of Tantric power. A new name has now entered this domain — a cabinet heavyweight from the Konkan belt, embroiled in a bitter tussle over the plum post of guardian minister. A video clip, said to be from last year but recently gone public, appears to show the minister in ritual regalia seated beside an Aghori sadhu clad in black, in what seems like a ritualistic invocation. Political opponents say it shows how tantra is thriving in the state’s polity.
Firebrand Concern
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, as part of his outreach to the Muslim community after the split in the NCP, had famously promised that he would not spare anyone who intimidated Muslims in the state. Pawar, however, seems to be struggling to rein in a young firebrand from his own stable. The three-time MLA from a prominent western Maharashtra city and the son-in-law of a sitting BJP legislator has been making speeches laced with communal rhetoric. His most recent demand was that Muslim employees at a well known temple trust be removed. With back-to-back electoral victories and an eye on further consolidation, the young leader is believed to be tapping into rising polarisation to shore up his personal clout.
Power Games
An NCP minister was livid when he realised that a newly appointed chief officer of a prime municipal council in his constituency had taken charge without the consent of state’s Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Department Minister Eknath Shinde. The appointment was through an officer in Shinde’s office without informing the former CM. The NCP minister complained to Shinde on the cabinet day after the appointment was cancelled. Now the officer who went ahead without informing Shinde and is holding double charge at present is under radar.
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