NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena legislator Narendra Bhondekar resigned from his party positions on Sunday after being left out of the Maharashtra cabinet expansion.
Bhondekar, representing the Bhandara constituency, expressed his disappointment to reporters. He previously served as the Shiv Sena’s deputy leader and coordinator for eastern Vidarbha districts.
Bhondekar stated that Shiv Sena leader and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde had assured him a cabinet position. He explained his desire to serve as Bhandara’s guardian minister to facilitate local development. In the November state elections, he defeated his Congress opponent by over 38,000 votes.
Sunday’s cabinet expansion saw 39 legislators from the ruling coalition sworn in. Sixteen were new faces, while ten previous ministers were excluded. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 19 ministerial posts, the Shiv Sena received 11, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) got 9.
Bhondekar explained his motivation, stating “I joined the Shiv Sena on the condition that I would be given a cabinet berth. Shinde had even promised me the same. When Shinde became chief minister in the previous government, I was an independent MLA and extended support to him.”
He added that his name was also considered for a ministerial role during the prior government’s cabinet expansion. “When I reviewed the cabinet list and realised I was omitted, I decided to step down from all positions in the party,” Bhondekar said.
Bhondekar said his goal was to become Bhandara’s guardian minister, but he now plans to work as a regular party member. He pointed out that Bhandara has been overseen by outside ministers for years, hindering the district’s progress.
“I no longer have the mindset to hold any official position. I have submitted my resignation to my party leaders and await their response,” Bhondekar concluded.
