Power Corridors: Buzz, Bureaucrats and the Battle for Posts

Power Corridors: Buzz, Bureaucrats and the Battle for Posts

Whispers in Maharashtra’s bureaucratic corridors rarely stay whispers for long. Over the past few weeks, conversations in administrative and political circles have revolved around cabinet conduct, post-retirement ambitions of senior officers, and the ongoing power play within key government institutions.

“Cabinet Meetings Like a Circus?”

A senior IAS officer, who spent a considerable part of his career in Delhi, was recently heard reminiscing about his time in the national capital while sitting with friends at a prominent city gymkhana. According to those present, the officer—perhaps after a drink or two more than usual—did not mince words while speaking about the functioning of the state government.

One of the friends later shared the conversation with me, knowing that I would try to verify the context before drawing conclusions. The officer was reportedly heard saying that weekly cabinet meetings of the government led by Devendra Fadnavis sometimes resemble a “circus”.

According to him:

“During cabinet meetings people casually walk in to take ministers’ signatures and leave. When such an important meeting is underway, shouldn’t there be some discipline? It becomes like a circus where people walk in between and disturb the sanctity of the meeting. I spent years in Delhi and never saw such a thing happen there.”

When I checked with our mutual friend, I pointed out that this might have been an isolated incident. Protocol around cabinet meetings is usually taken very seriously, particularly under Chief Minister Fadnavis.

That said, many in the bureaucracy believe that such remarks, especially from someone of such seniority, should perhaps be expressed more cautiously. Or, as one observer jokingly put it—perhaps the officer should simply stick to his usual brand the next time, even if someone else is paying the bill.

In bureaucratic circles, another question is quietly being asked: Is the officer contemplating voluntary retirement?

The “Anything Will Do” Syndrome

Another senior IAS officer of the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) rank is scheduled to retire later this year. What has surprised many, however, is the chatter about his alleged eagerness to accept “anything and everything” before retirement. Sources claim the officer was even heard joking that he would accept anything—“even a silver coin.”

Interestingly, this remark had reportedly reached the ears of the late Ajit Pawar. One source claims that had circumstances been different and had the senior leader been around, the officer might have faced immediate administrative consequences.

The reason cited by critics is simple: despite approaching retirement, the officer is allegedly leaving no opportunity to make some extra moolah. Some colleagues privately say that officers of ACS rank should maintain a certain dignity consistent with the stature of their position. As one bureaucrat quipped sarcastically, “Sir, baniyon ki bhi thodi izzat rakhiye.”

The Race for Post-Retirement Power

Meanwhile, several officers nearing retirement are believed to be eyeing positions in key government corporations.

The post of Managing Director at MSRDC, currently held by Anil Gaikwad, has reportedly attracted considerable attention among bureaucrats looking for a post-retirement assignment.

However, insiders believe Gaikwad remains secure for now, given his perceived proximity to both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

At the same time, speculation continues over possible bureaucratic reshuffles.

There is talk that Dr. P. Anbalgan could emerge as the next Additional Chief Secretary for Housing. But such a move raises questions because his senior, Sanjeev Jaiswal, currently heads MHADA as CEO.

In Maharashtra’s ever-complex bureaucratic matrix, a role reversal is never entirely out of the question.

Another key question concerns Ashwini Bhide. If she is appointed either BMC Commissioner or MMRDA Commissioner, who will replace her in the Chief Minister’s Office?

Some bureaucratic watchers believe Bhushan Gagrani could be a contender.

And if Bhide does move to BMC, the next question inevitably becomes: where does Sanjay Mukherjee fit into the new equation?

Many of these questions may find answers only after the Budget Session, when the Chief Minister is expected to rebalance several administrative equations.


MIDC: The Real Power Game

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has quietly become the centre of another bureaucratic power struggle.

According to insiders, there is an ongoing contest over whose word carries the final authority.

Is it the Chief Minister’s Office?
The Additional Chief Secretary (Industries)?
The CEO of MIDC?
Influential industrial players like GNP and Pagariya?
Or ultimately, does the word of Industries Minister Uday Samant prevail?

Some insiders claim that the influence of a figure popularly referred to as “Bhaiyya” within MIDC is gradually diminishing. For now, it remains a classic wait-and-watch situation. And if murmurs in administrative circles are anything to go by, similar undercurrents are beginning to surface within IPS circles as well.

Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi.