Congress expresses dissatisfaction over working of Thackeray govt

Six months after joining hands with the Shiv Sena and NCP in Maharashtra, the State Congress leaders have for the first time openly expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the Uddhav Thackeray government.

Revenue Minister and Congress State head Balasaheb Thorat while speaking to the media in Mumbai said that the party expects that Congress ministers must be involved in the decision-making process of the government. Congress is concerned about certain issues which, he said, will be taken up with Chief Minister Thackeray. He added that the alliance government comprises of three parties and issues must be discussed among alliance partners.

One of the senior ministers told BusinessLine that the party is not very happy with certain decisions of Uddhav Thackeray regarding the Covid-19 outbreak.

Congress leaders allege that NCP president Sharad Pawar and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray are taking decisions without consulting Congress leadership. Congress is also unhappy about the CM not taking its ministers into confidence.

In the State legislative assembly, Shiv Sena has 56 members followed by NCP - 54 and Congress - 44. Shiv Sena and NCP need the Congress’ support to keep the majority of 145 intact. BJP has 105 MLAs.

Congress is keen to get a major share in the allocation of posts in various State corporations and wants maximum seats in the governor-appointed nominees to the State legislative council.