Pune: Political Turmoil in Maval Constituency as MP Shrirang Barne and MLA Sunil Shelke Clash Over Officer Transfer
Maval, 5th December 2023: A political battle has erupted in the Maval Lok Sabha Constituency, Sitting Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne, an ally of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, against NCP MLA Sunil Shelke, an associate of deputy of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The dispute centres around the transfer of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Talegaon Dabhade Municipality.
The conflict arose over the transfer of the CEO, with MP Barne admitting to seeking the transfer based on a demand from Kishore Aware, the late founder of the ruling Janseva Vikas Samiti in Talegaon. The transfer took place within five months, leading to the appointment of NK Patil. However, this decision proved controversial as the new CEO faced criticism for ineffective governance, leaving citizens without basic civic amenities for seven months.
MLA Shelke publicly criticized MP Barne for appointing an ineffective chief, leading to a heated exchange between the two political figures. Shelke demanded accountability for the development works carried out in Maval with central funds over the past ten years. MP Barne, in response, asserted his accountability to the public rather than any individual.
The clash escalated when Shelke’s demand for the transfer of NK Patil was accepted, leading to the re-appointment of Vijayakumar Sarnaik as the CEO of Talegaon Municipal Council. Sarnaik’s return is seen as a victory for MLA Shelke in the power struggle.
The outcome of this dispute and whether it marks a resolution between the MP and MLA remain to be seen.
