Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar has resigned from all party positions, expressing disappointment at not being included in the Maharashtra cabinet.
Speaking to reporters in Bhandara on Sunday, Bhondekar, who served as the deputy leader and coordinator for eastern Vidarbha districts, claimed that Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised him a cabinet berth. Bhondekar expressed his desire to become the guardian minister of Bhandara district and work towards its development.
Having won the Bhandara constituency in the November 20 state elections with a margin of over 38,000 votes against his Congress rival, Bhondekar had hoped for a cabinet post. However, the recent cabinet expansion, which included 39 legislators from Mahayuti allies, saw him excluded.
While the BJP secured the largest share of ministerial berths with 19, Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, received 11, and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party was allotted 9. Bhondekar explained, “I joined Shiv Sena with the understanding that I would be given a cabinet berth. Shinde had promised me the same. I supported him when he became Chief Minister while I was an independent MLA.”
Bhondekar also claimed that his name was considered during the last cabinet expansion but was ultimately left out. “Upon reviewing the final cabinet list and realizing I was omitted, I decided to resign from all positions in the party,” he stated.
While he had hoped to become the guardian minister of Bhandara, Bhondekar now intends to remain an ordinary party worker. He also emphasized that the practice of having an outsider as the guardian minister had prevented the resolution of many local issues. “I no longer desire any official position and have submitted my resignation to party leaders, awaiting their response,” he added.
