Tug of War: BEST General Manager Appointment Sparks Political Row

The Maharashtra government faces scrutiny over contradictory orders appointing IAS officer Ashwini Joshi and GST commissioner Ashish Sharma as BEST general manager. The situation arose following SVR Srinivas's retirement. Accusations of internal conflict between CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have surfaced, highlighting a power struggle within the alliance.

In Maharashtra, a power tussle emerged over the appointment of the General Manager for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). Contradictory orders to appoint IAS officer Ashwini Joshi and GST commissioner Ashish Sharma to the same post have sparked political controversy.

The issue arose after the retirement of SVR Srinivas on July 31, leaving the position vacant. While the General Administration Department, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, allocated the role to Ashish Sharma, the Urban Development Department headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde reportedly suggested Ashwini Joshi. This has been termed as a ''tug of war'' by the opposition, citing internal conflict within the ruling alliance.

Amidst these administrative changes, a protest march by the BEST Workers' Union demands timely gratuity payments. Opposition leaders criticize the lack of coordination in the government, casting doubt on its effectiveness. Allegations of a ''double engine government'' war over lucrative posts further fuels public scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)