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"Social justice dept being crippled...": Shivsena Minister Slams Ajit Pawar Over ₹413 Cr Fund Diversion
Maharashtra's Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat attacked Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, accusing him of sidelining the Social Justice Department by diverting Rs 413 crore without consultation or approval.
Addressing the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Shirsat expressed deep frustration, stating, “If the government has no use for the Social Justice Department, it might as well shut it down. But why choke funds meant for backward communities?” He labelled the finance department's action as unilateral and high-handed, raising concerns about systemic neglect.
Shirsat alleged, is not an isolated incident. He pointed out that during the state budget, a staggering Rs 7,000 crore had previously been shifted from his department without any prior notice. “This repeated undermining is not just puzzling, it's a clear injustice,” he said, demanding transparency and accountability from the finance ministry.
In a sharply worded remark laced with sarcasm, the Shiv Sena leader said, “Why not cut all funds at once? Why bother with scholarships, hostels, or integrating the backward classes into the mainstream? Maybe it’s best if the department doesn’t exist at all.”
Shirsat said he would escalate the matter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. He alleged that the finance department was systematically weakening the body responsible for uplifting marginalised communities.
Responding to the mounting criticism, Ajit Pawar downplayed the issue and said it should have been resolved within the cabinet rather than aired publicly. “This could have been handled internally. I’m willing to discuss it with CM Shinde, Deputy CM Fadnavis, and Minister Shirsat,” he said.
Pawar added that the issue could be addressed during the upcoming cabinet meeting on May 6, assuring that any mistakes would be rectified and misunderstandings clarified.
The controversy also resonated in the Legislative Council, with Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve echoing concerns. Danve claimed that Rs 414.30 crore out of the Rs 3,960 crore allocated to the Social Justice Department had been diverted. He further alleged that Rs 335.70 crore had been reallocated from the Tribal Development Department to fund the Ladki Bahin scheme, a flagship stipend initiative.
