Tensions in Mahayuti? Uday Samant Accuses Bureaucrats of Sidestepping Ministers
Mumbai, 11th February 2025: Indicating growing friction between Shiv Sena ministers and senior bureaucrats in the Mahayuti government, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant has alleged that key policy decisions concerning the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the industries department have been taken without his knowledge.
In a letter addressed to Industries Secretary P. Anbalgan and MIDC CEO P. Velrasu, Samant expressed his displeasure, stating that crucial decisions have been made at the administrative level without consulting him. He specifically pointed out that certain infrastructural projects sanctioned by MIDC were altered or curtailed without his approval.
“I must be kept informed about all significant developments in the industries department and MIDC. There should be a regular briefing schedule from the industries secretary and the MIDC CEO. In recent times, too much decision-making power has been concentrated at the administrative level, which has caused difficulties, particularly for micro and small entrepreneurs who are forced to travel to Mumbai for resolution of their issues,” Samant wrote in his letter.
While there have been ongoing discussions about bureaucrats bypassing ministers—especially those from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction—Samant is the first minister to formally document his concerns. His letter signals potential tensions within the government regarding administrative control and decision-making authority.
