Maharashtra BJP Leadership in Waiting

It’s been half a year since Ravindra Chavan was expected to step in as the new president of Maharashtra’s BJP unit, yet his official appointment is still pending. Chavan, who was kept out of the state Cabinet to clear the way for this new responsibility, remains in a holding pattern while Chandrashekhar Bawankule has already taken charge as Revenue Minister.

According to party insiders, the delay is intentional. The announcement was meant to align with a broader leadership change at the national level. However, with the central leadership yet to decide on JP Nadda’s successor and the RSS emphasizing loyalty to ideology over individual popularity, the process has stalled. As a result, the state BJP remains in a state of uncertainty, with Chavan serving as acting president and party members growing increasingly impatient for a resolution.

Bureaucratic Transfers Spark Frustration

Meanwhile, after a three-year pause, the Maharashtra government has started transferring bureaucrats again. But the limited scope of this move has caused unrest, particularly within the influential irrigation department. Many officers, hoping for new postings, have found themselves disappointed as only 30 percent of staff can be transferred in a year under current rules. This restriction has left a large number of eligible officers stuck in their existing roles.

The offices of ministers Dada Bhuse and Sanjay Shirsat are now dealing with a surge of requests and complaints from frustrated staff. With the irrigation department known for its powerful positions and associated benefits, the pressure on these ministers is mounting as they try to manage both administrative hurdles and growing dissatisfaction among their teams.