Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray, has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the resignation of Anand Nirgude, the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC). Nirgude had resigned eight days ago, a development that was kept confidential by the government. Thackeray has demanded transparency in the reasons behind Nirgude's resignation and has questioned which two Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) exerted pressure on him.
The Opposition has taken an aggressive stance, while the ruling party, Shiv Sena, has adopted a softer approach. Thackeray's call for an SIT inquiry adds to the political heat surrounding Nirgude's resignation. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) withdrew its plea against Chhagan Bhujbal, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, related to a corruption case at Maharashtra Sadan. Thackeray, in response, humorously mentioned visiting Bhujbal for peda (sweets) and Praful Patel for a low-chilli meal.
Industries Minister Uday Samant, overseeing urban development, has initiated an inquiry into the financial dealings of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the past 25 years. Thackeray, challenging the move, called for investigations into all municipal corporations in the state. Additionally, he advocated scrutinizing the PM CARES Fund.
Thackeray criticized the Shiv Sena's internal processes, pointing out the lack of elections within the party. He raised concerns about the functioning of democracy within the Shiv Sena during a hearing. Thackeray remarked on the education minister, Deepak Kesarkar, stating that despite holding the position, his educational qualifications fell short.
On December 4, Justice (Retd) Anand Nirgude, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC), submitted his resignation to the state government. Surprisingly, the government accepted his resignation on December 9 during the Winter Session of the state legislature, but the information was not communicated to the legislative body. This development comes in the wake of two other members of the commission, Balaji Killarikar and Laxman Hake, resigning earlier this month. Both cited the "growing interference" of the state government in the commission's operations, which has been investigating the backwardness of the Maratha community amidst demands for their reservation.
Confirming the acceptance of his resignation, Nirgude refrained from further comments, directing inquiries to the government. In his letter dated December 4, addressed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Nirgude formally tendered his resignation.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar also slammed the state government over the acceptance of the resignation. Wadettiwar noted a series of resignations from members of the State Backward Classes Commission and criticized the government for withholding information about the Speaker's resignation. He questioned why the government did not disclose this information during the Winter Session of the Assembly and demanded an explanation regarding the consecutive resignations of commission members, including the chairman.