Reviewing Some of the Headlines…
Tukaram Mundhe: A Bureaucrat People Want to Believe In
IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, who currently heads the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), has become a phenomenon—not just in Mumbai or Maharashtra, but across the country. His no-nonsense style of functioning, refusal to entertain “todpaani” culture, willingness to punish the guilty, and ability to empower his team are exactly the qualities ordinary citizens look for in a bureaucrat.
Perhaps this is why people often compare him to the honest officers/ politicians we see in movies like Nayak. Well, that’s a joke… but only partly.
My only request to his supporters—especially the lakhs of admirers from the OBC community, with whom he enjoys an emotional connection because he belongs to the same community and his true fans—is this: don’t push him into politics, as the rumor is getting stronger. Every honest officer who becomes popular is immediately projected as a future Chief Minister. Popularity often creates new dreams, unnecessary pressure, and unrealistic expectations.
Let him remain what he is—a fearless bureaucrat.
In fact, today, even if Tukaram Mundhe conducts just two raids a month, it is enough to send shivers down the spines of hoteliers, club owners, restaurants, and hawkers across Maharashtra and we the people, will get SAFE FOOD.
Devendra ji, my humble request is simple: complete his tenure. At least this time.
“Gungi Gudiya” – A Comment That Should Never Have Been Made
The “Gungi Gudiya” remark made by Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal against Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar was completely unnecessary and unacceptable. Even many of your own supporters did not appreciate it, Mr. Sapkal.
Let’s be honest. At the moment, your political opinions barely receive attention from the ruling alliance. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers rarely respond to your statements. It appears that, out of frustration, some leaders resort to personal remarks or insensitive comments merely to grab headlines. As for Sunetra Pawar, yes—she may appear quiet and measured. But that should not be mistaken for weakness.
Until recently, her political experience was limited. When Ajit Dada was there, she had barely a year of Rajya Sabha experience, and her political exposure was largely confined to Baramati. Whenever she faced challenges, she had the guidance of an experienced Ajit Pawar.
Today, that safety net no longer exists.
Give her time. If you learn how to drive, you just don’t take your car on the second day in Dadar to test your driving skills right? I say this not only to the Opposition but also to people within the government. She is learning quickly, taking careful decisions, and gradually establishing herself. I believe she has the potential to become a valuable asset. She also enjoys the confidence and protection of both Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde.
At the same time, she is fighting an internal battle within the party. Some leaders believed they could take control of both her political space and the organisation when Ajit Dada left us.
But one thing should never be forgotten—
Sunetra Pawar is moulded into the Pawar mould for years now !
Devendra Fadnavis has already surprised many by ensuring Parth Pawar’s entry into the Rajya Sabha. Sunetra Pawar, too, has quietly begun reorganising the party, removing several individuals whom she believed remained loyal to the people in her own party who are against her. Dynamic Leader and soldier of NCP (AP) Suraj Chavan who will be/is elevated in the parent body now as leaders above forty cannot continue heading the Youth Wing.
Mayor Ritu Tawde: Opportunities Should Not Be Wasted
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has once again missed an opportunity.
The BJP leadership and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have shown tremendous faith in her by elevating her to one of Mumbai’s most prestigious constitutional positions. Now comes the responsibility.
Instead of listening to someone who occupies the chairs around her whenever she meets the press, she must understand and follow the BJP’s organisational culture and discipline.
Otherwise, there may come a point where even the BJP loses patience—and her remaining two-and-a-half-year tenure may no longer be guaranteed.
The watch controversy should have been a lesson.
Now comes the embarrassment surrounding the sound-barrier incident.
One question continues to bother me.
Why don’t senior leaders who have risen through the BJP’s own organisational structure—not those who entered later from other parties—guide her on how the BJP expects its leaders to conduct themselves in public life?
Sometimes, timely advice can save a political career.
One Serious Question for BJP Maharashtra
Between 2014 and 2025, the BJP from Maharashtra has sent 29 unique Members of Parliament to the Centre.
- 19 Lok Sabha MPs
- 7 Rajya Sabha MPs
- 3 who have served in both Houses
Now ask yourself honestly…
Apart from Nitin Gadkari, which BJP MP from Maharashtra has truly left a lasting impression at the national level?
For me, the answer is simple.
Only Nitin Gadkari
And before anyone misunderstands me—I am referring purely to his style of working, administrative efficiency and ability to deliver results, not necessarily every political or ideological position he has taken.
However, there is one more parliamentarian—though not from the BJP itself but from one of its alliance partners—who has genuinely impressed me, and, more importantly, appears to have earned the confidence of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
That person is Dr. Shrikant Shinde.
Young.
Well educated.
Rooted in Indian culture.
Aggressive when required.
Well-prepared on every subject he speaks about.
And someone who communicates in a language today’s youth—and Gen Z—understands.
The opportunities given to him, both nationally and internationally, clearly indicate that the central leadership sees potential in him.
Perhaps BJP Maharashtra should ask itself a difficult question:
How do we identify, nurture and build more leaders like Dr. Shrikant Shinde?
Because they represent the future of Indian politics.
I genuinely had similar expectations from Murli Anna.
Unfortunately, it sometimes appears that his expectations from life have become greater than the expectations people once had from him.
Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi.
